DRC: young girls called upon to challenge barriers for an equitable future

Kinshasa, October 12^th, 2025 (CPA).- An appeal was made to young girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to break down social barriers and dream big for their success, in a discussion on Saturday in Kinshasa with a social activist, on the occasion of International Day of the Girl, celebrated annually on October 11^th. « To all young Congolese girls, do not be afraid to dream big, to challenge social barriers and to hold high the flag of your dignity, because your success is that of the entire nation. You are the future of the Congo and the light that illuminates the path to a more just and equitable future,‘ said Amida Ilanga, president of the NGO ’Women Committed to Sustainable Development » (FEDD). ‘A young girl has the right to dream, to dare and to decide her own path. The world needs your intelligence, your ideas and your vision. Learn to walk with your head held high, because you belong everywhere: in classrooms, offices, the media, sports fields, and even in the institutions where decisions are made that shape our country,’ she added. She made this appeal to invite young girls to build the Congo of today and prepare for tomorrow, while urging them to study, learn a trade, defend their rights and fight for a better future. Under the theme ‘The girl I am, the change I bring: girls on the front line of crisis’, this day aims to highlight the role of young girls in society. In this regard, Ms Ilanga recalled that the crisis our nation is going through must not silence the voices or diminish the role of young girls. Created on October 24^th, 2018, the NGO ‘Women Committed to Sustainable Development (FEDD)’ works to promote gender equality, self-determination and women’s empowerment through several development initiatives. ACP/