On 03 March 2026, female peacekeepers from the Kenyan and Tanzanian Quick Reaction Forces deployed under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) led an engagement forum for local women and girls in Mbau, 10 kilometers north of the Mavivi Permanent Operating Base.
The event which served as a prelude to the forthcoming International Women’s Day celebrations, aimed at bolstering community resilience in a region of conflict. It focused on empowering participants through education on conflict resolution, health awareness and legal rights.
Female Officers from Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 5) and Tanzania Quick Reaction Force (TANZQRF) spearheaded the forum as Gender Focal Point Officers. They highlighted the pivotal role of women and girls in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts, emphasizing their potential as agents of peace in volatile areas.
Medical teams from both contingents provided essential insights into feminine health, covering menstrual and reproductive health, as well as awareness campaigns on breast and uterine cancer. Invited law enforcement officials further educated attendees on constitutional rights, strategies to combat sexual violence and navigating judicial processes during times of unrest.
In a gesture of support, the QRFs donated essential items, including hygiene products and clothing, to address immediate needs of the vulnerable group. This initiative aligns with MONUSCO’s broader protection mandate, recognizing that women and girls bear the heaviest brunt of the eastern DRC’s protracted conflicts, including displacement, violence and limited access to services. By fostering such dialogues, the mission seeks to build trust and enhance community-driven peace efforts in North Kivu province, where armed groups continue to threaten stability.
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