Congolese communities choose resilience everyday.
We support their work through impactful funding.
The world’s greatest challenges will be solved by those living with them everyday. Since 2010, we’ve funded over 50 community based organizations and 120 startups. Today, we continue to directly fund projects in North and South Kivu focused on women’s empowerment and economic development.
Empowered women lift communities.
When women are supported, communities flourish. Gaining legal birth certificates, securing land rights in situations of discrimination, and the critical work of seeking justice for survivors of rape and gender-based violence all work toward empowerment for women.
Learn more about our work with women in Congo through stories featured below.
(above) Mama Vumilia M’Ruzuba is one of the 700 fisherwomen of Katana. She shares,”These canoes will help improve our lives by making fishing more accessible and increasing our production. As a result, we will be able to better take care of our families.” Photo: Pacome Bagula
Following devastating flooding, a group of women led by Her Majesty the Mwamikazi came forward with an idea. Many women had lost their spouses, business, and land in the flood, and now needed ways to provide their families. If the fishing cooperative could improve their productivity in catching sambaza (small fish from Lake Kivu), they […]
Women and girls across social classes in DRC have long voiced their need for a channel to learn about gender-related issues and make their voices heard by the general public. Since its establishment in 2016, MAMA_Radio (AFEM) has been a community radio station that places gender inclusiveness and equity at the forefront of its innovative […]
“Without justice we will never move forward in Congo. Without accountability and the rule of law, the Congolese people–and above all Congolese women–will never be able to reach their full potential.”
-Claudine Tsonga, DFJ Lawyer and ECI Partner
Economic Development fuels resilience.
When we interviewed community organizations, their message was clear: start with economic development. When people have steady income, their children can go to school, they can access needed services, and they can build the communities they deserve.
Explore the featured stories below to learn more our work with startups, community cooperatives, and social enterprises.
(above) Papa Corneil, a leader in local growing cooperative, COOPABU, was also key in bringing Asili to his community. By improving incomes and providing access to high quality services, an ecosystem of improvement is built. Photo: Pacome Bagula
Following devastating flooding, a group of women led by Her Majesty the Mwamikazi came forward with an idea. Many women had lost their spouses, business, and land in the flood, and now needed ways to provide their families. If the fishing cooperative could improve their productivity in catching sambaza (small fish from Lake Kivu), they […]
NTC knew they could build better, safer, and more sustainable buildings. Two years in, now everyone else knows, too.
“Rather than go for short-term metrics, we invest in building sustainable change. It needs to be from and for the same community with goals that extend beyond the grant”.
-Abraham Leno, ECI Executive Director