Kinshasa, April 21st, 2026 (CPA).- Religious leaders are taking part, from April 21st to 23rd, 2026 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in a capacity-building workshop on gender and sexual and reproductive health, under the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3)” programme, CPA learned Tuesday from organizers.
“This training targeting religious leaders aims to strengthen their capacities on these issues in order to position them as key actors of social change and protection of the rights of adolescents and young people in their communities,” said Isaias Barreto da Rosa, Head of Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the DRC. According to him, the three-day session also enables participants to acquire knowledge on HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the right to comprehensive sexuality education.
He added that the programme will also allow participants to explore concepts of positive masculinity and equality, in a way compatible with spiritual values. The UNESCO representative stressed that the objective is to reduce early marriages and unwanted pregnancies that compromise the future of young people. “At UNESCO, we firmly believe that education, health and gender equality are essential pillars for sustainable development. We work with religious communities to prevent gender-based violence and ensure every child’s right to education,” he added. He further emphasized the essential role of moral leaders in shaping mindsets.
“You are much more than community leaders; you are moral guides who shape consciences. Your commitments inspire families and your actions shape behaviors,” he said. He concluded that religious leaders should act as strategic partners to reconcile religious convictions with academic rigor, in favor of a more equitable society. The training session is organized by UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry in charge of Justice.