Recognizing the benefits: a factor in well-being and social harmony in DRC

Kinshasa, August 27^th, 2026 (CPA).- The recognizing positive actions has been presented as a key driver of social healing and the promotion of mental wellbeing, in a message focusing on collective consciousness and mutual support released on Thursday by the Ambassador for Positive Masculinity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Focusing solely on others’ faults hinders the true dynamics of change, both within oneself and in one’s surroundings. Recognizing the good in others is, in itself, a contribution to healing,” has declared Carlin Vese, Ambassador for Positive Masculinity. He has thus urged citizens to move beyond a culture of systematic criticism in favor of valuing constructive actions. Furthermore, the ambassador for positive masculinity set out several key recommendations aimed at strengthening social cohesion, notably: the synergy of values – in this case, the combination of femininity and positive masculinity working in a spirit of shared responsibility and accountability; mutual appreciation, which emphasizes moving beyond individual mistakes to highlight positive actions, thereby strengthening self-esteem and respect for others; and, finally, constructive self-criticism, which involves honestly acknowledging one’s own responsibility in conflict situations before attributing blame to others. According to Mr Vese, this approach, based on clarity and shared responsibility, aims to create safe, peaceful community spaces that foster mutual respect. This message was highlighted during the ‘Black Thursday’ campaign, a global, peaceful initiative encouraging people to wear black every Thursday to protest against rape and gender-based violence (GBV).