Community Action in the DRC Advances Efforts to End Child Marriage and Gender Based Violence

On 15 December 2025, a community awareness activity took place in Kibumba Group, Nyiragongo Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage. The session was led by Mufungizi, a community leader with Agapao, and brought together 350 community members.

The activity focused on the intersection of digital violence, gender based violence, and child marriage. Participants engaged in discussions on the growing risks of online harassment, including cyberbullying, threats, insults, and the non consensual sharing of images. The session highlighted how limited awareness of digital rights and legal protections, combined with fear of stigma and rejection, often prevents individuals from reporting abuse.

Community members reflected on the serious consequences of digital violence, including isolation, anxiety, depression, reputational harm, school dropout, and, in severe cases, self harm. The discussion emphasised the need for greater community awareness, safer use of digital platforms, and stronger mechanisms to report abuse and seek protection.

As part of the engagement, participants were introduced to the vision of a child marriage free world, reinforcing the shared responsibility to protect children from early and forced marriage and to uphold the rights of girls to grow, learn, and live free from violence and coercion. The session concluded with 20 participants taking a pledge, signalling a collective commitment to challenge cyberbullying, gender based violence, and child marriage within their communities.