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Women's Day at Villa Washington

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Women's Day at Villa Washington

International Women's Day comes to the Congo
March 7-8, 2008

Villa Washington, the Embassy Informational Resource Center, was buzzing for two days as sixty-three young women were given the opportunity to ask questions and delve more deeply into issues that concern their future decisions.  Although only fifty women had been invited, the rubber walls were pushed out even further to accommodate sixty-three 16-19 year olds who are in the last semesters of high school or beginning technical college or the university.

Presentations included:  How to Understand Congolese Laws and How the Laws Work in Favor of Women;  Women’s Rights in the Face of Spousal Abuse; How to Work with the Government to Start an NGO or a Small Enterprise;  The Effects of War on Women;  and, Facts About HIV/AIDs in the Congo.  Each of the presentations raised the awareness levels of the young women and resulted in numerous questions concerning their rights and responsibilities as women, mothers, students and the future leaders of the Congo.  The workshop concluded with a self-esteem program that made the young women list their strengths and learn how to develop them further.

The speakers were prominent Congolese magistrates, lawyers, and government and business leaders- all women - and the young participants said they felt honored to be able to meet with their leaders on such an informal basis and ask questions that really mattered to them. Dr. Marie Francke Pruruehnce, The Executive Secretary of the National Council in the Fight Against AIDS who talked about AIDs was equally impressed with the high caliber of the young women and admitted that she did not often have the chance to spend a few hours with the young people who needed this information the most.

The seminar was followed by an Artisan’s Workshop  featuring crafts and art made by local artists.