Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 coronavirus cases yesterday. The state of health emergency was extended for a second time last week.
Challenges and Concerns
The current state of health emergency has increased food prices in the retail market leading to starvation.
Adaptation Measures and Emergency Fund
Through the financial support of our Emergency Fund, Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) was able to arrange a group meeting with 30 vulnerable women, girls and boys. The goal was to provide information on preventative measures against COVID-19 and domestic violence. In addition to the education session, food parcels of millie, rice and washing powder were distributed.
SOFEDI has expanded their existing Food Security Program due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus. The program was created to address the growing challenge of food insecurity in emergency situations. Vulnerable families are identified, including elderly grandmothers with grandchildren, the sick, and sudden deaths. A total of 40 families are chosen every three months and are provided with food parcels. This lessens a worrisome burden while employment and new ways of sustaining livelihoods are sought. After three months has elapsed, families are reassessed.
“Rockflower’s belief in us has contributed to SOFEDI being the “heroines of hope” to whoever knocks on our doors for assistance.”
Update from July 2020
SOFEDI has been witnessing the increasing challenges occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of a civil war in the Fizi and Uvira districts. These districts are already high risk for rural women and girls because of current living conditions.
While the government has called for a State of Health Emergency, SOFEDI has continued to support the women and girls in the South Kivu Province through advocacy and programming, such as their “Peace First” program.