United for Gender Equality in Democratic Republic of Congo 

The DRC faces the challenge of developing a professional vocational education and training system that meets the needs of society and businesses and fulfils the expectations of the youth. Technical and vocational education is considered a priority for the country's development, as it needs a skilled workforce.

The programme aims to eliminate gender-based violence through three measures: strengthening the national fight against gender-based violence, promoting women's socio-economic autonomy and leadership, and creating a protective environment for women.

Young women and men are to be given easier access to quality training opportunities so that they can earn a sustainable income. At the same time, to promote a change in mentality and attitudes towards gender equality and social inclusion among all actors involved in the process of guidance, training and job placement in South Kivu, in order to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence in the medium and long term.

The project in South Kivu aims to improve employment opportunities and income for young people, especially girls and women. It focuses on urban, peri-urban and rural areas and provides quality vocational training that meets local needs and economic opportunities. The project promotes the development of vocational skills in trade, entrepreneurial skills for setting up micro-enterprises and life skills. It also provides intensive support during the integration process. The aim is to integrate unskilled young people into the local community, reduce women's dependence on men and reduce the risk of crime, violence and extreme poverty.

The interventions also focus on existing economic operators such as women artisans, farmers and traders, regardless of gender. The aim is to promote local entrepreneurship in predominantly rural areas, thereby having a positive impact on the local economy and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the project areas. Support for women entrepreneurs focuses on increasing their productivity and competitiveness by reducing their production costs, improving the quality of their products and services and diversifying their production. This is expected to increase turnover, which in turn contributes to local development and the creation of new jobs.

Promoting gender equality and social inclusion is a key factor in all interventions, such as improving access to training for marginalised groups, creating a learning environment open to all, strengthening female leadership, promoting positive masculinities and fostering inclusive workspaces.

Expected results

• improving the living conditions of young women and men, particularly girls and marginalized minority groups in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
• structural impact on the environment of young people through the provision of relevant training, information, guidance, and integration support services implemented in partnership with local stakeholders.
• structural impact on the training and professional integration system in South Kivu, by integrating the gender dimension and promoting the participation of girls and women through positive discriminatory measures.
• empower young women and men to be more active in their communities and contribute to improved community and household cohabitation, including greater acceptance and respect for others.