Rome: Activist from the DRC dedicates her award to rape survivors

Kinshasa, November 5^th, 2025 (CPA). – Ms. Julienne Lusenge, a Congolese activist for women’s rights, justice for survivors of sexual violence and peace building in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), dedicated the Change maker Award she received in Rome, Italy, to a survivor during a ceremony, the CPA learned from an association source. « Julienne Lusenge dedicated her award to SIFA, a young survivor who became a nurse, a symbol of resilience, courage and hope, at a ceremony organized by “UN SDG Action Awards 2025”. When SIFA donned her hospital uniform for her first year as a nurse, it was not just a celebration, it was a triumph, » said Sandrine Lusamba, coordinator of Women’s Solidarity for Peace and Integral Development (SOFEPADI). ‘She came to us as a child survivor of rape, carrying the heavy silence of war. But she chose to embark on a journey of healing with SOFEPADI. This award belongs to her and to so many other women and girls who transform pain into strength and suffering into action,’ she added.  In the winner’s speech read by Ms Lusamba, Julienne Lusenge praised the courage of the women and men of the DRC who fight every day for peace, dignity and justice.  « Julienne Lusenge also paid tribute to all the women and men of the DRC who fight every day for peace, dignity and justice, as well as to all her colleagues at SOFEPADI, true champions of change. You are the heart of our movement. Don’t wait until you’re ready, don’t wait until you’re asked. Wherever you are, start now. Defend justice, act with love and never give up on a world where every SIFA can rise again, » she said. The ‘Change maker’ category of the UN SDG Action Awards honors exceptional individuals who, through their leadership, courage and concrete actions, are transforming their communities and inspiring real social change. Each year, more than 5,500 applications from 190 countries are reviewed by a panel of international judges. The finalists and winners are then celebrated at a global ceremony. The 2025 edition, themed ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’, was organized in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Through this recognition, Julienne Lusenge’s voice once again resonates as a call to action and solidarity for a world where every woman can rise up, heal and contribute to building lasting peace. ACP/