Kinshasa, June 18th, 2026 (CPA).- Strengthening the bonds between men and women has been recommended as a means of building communities where positive femininities and masculinities become genuine drivers of social justice, during a campaign held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “On this Thursday in Black, let us commit ourselves to strengthening these human bonds of positive change in order to build communities where positive femininities and masculinities become true levers for social justice, protection, mutual respect and sustainable development,” said Carlin Vese Pinzi, Ambassador for Positive Masculinity in the DRC. Mr. Vese, who is also a sociologist, stated that promoting positive femininities and masculinities constitutes an effective response to toxic models that encourage domination, gender-based violence (GBV), discrimination and inequality. According to him, these approaches promote responsible, caring, equitable and human rights-based behaviors. “In this dynamic, the human knot symbolizes the strength of community solidarity. Every individual represents an essential link in a chain of protection, prevention and social transformation. When women, men, young people, community leaders and institutions unite their efforts around positive values, they create a synergy capable of dismantling harmful social norms and promoting a culture of peace, inclusion and dignity for all,” he explained.
The social actor pointed out that this Thursday coincides with two international events: International Sushi Day and Sustainable Gastronomy Day. Mr. Vese noted that beyond their culinary dimension, these celebrations promote essential values such as respect, balance, diversity, complementarity and sustainability. “In the same way that sustainable gastronomy relies on harmony between resources, producers and consumers, a just and inclusive society is built through relationships founded on mutual respect between women and men, girls and boys,” he said. He also recalled the objective of the “Thursday in Black” campaign. “The Thursday in Black campaign reminds us of our collective responsibility in combating all forms of violence, discrimination, as well as toxic attitudes and behaviors that undermine social cohesion,” he added. He further emphasized the commitments that should be made to uphold human dignity. “We must say no to all forms of violence, no to toxic behaviors, yes to positive femininities, yes to positive masculinities, and yes to supportive, inclusive communities that respect human dignity,” he concluded.
Voici la traduction en anglais, dans le style rédactionnel de l’Agence Congolaise de Presse (CPA).