March 9, 2005 - (MONUC) Thousands of women and girls from all walks of life and shades of opinion converged at Kindu's Tribune on Tuesday, March 8th, to commemorate the 30th Annual International Women's Day. As early as 8:00 am, more than 200 women's groups, largely made up of girls from primary, secondary and other institutions of higher learning arrived at the city's "Palais de Justice" where they all moved in unison downtown to the Tribune.

The women included housewives, businesswomen, and politicians, amongst others. They carried placards hailing the glory of women. They dressed in bright colours with flamboyant prints. Elaborate hairstyles and headgear added to the flavour of the event.

The serious side of the day came with the arrival of the province's governor, Koloso Sumaili. After a heart-felt rendition of the national anthem, the long-awaited march took place. It was led by Maniema's vice governor in charge of economy and finance, Catherine Aziza. Prominent amongst its participants were MONUC's female staff members and those of other UN Agencies and International non-governmental organizations.

In the speeches that followed, the divisional chief for women and family affairs, Regine Kapunga Sifayabo had a particular message: that of sensitizing Kindu's women to become more active in politics ahead of the country's national elections. She emphasized that local NGOs and women's leaders will travel to the most isolated nooks and crannies of the province to educate the grassroots level on the electoral process.

Like the divisional chief for women and family affairs, Governor Koloso Sumaili congratulated Kindu's women on their massive participation. He called on those present to demonstrate even more solidarity and excellence.

The event culminated with the awarding of prizes to winners of participating schools and teams in various events earmarked for the day. Amongst the donors was MONUC Kindu.

One final note: from Kindu's main tribune, MONUC's human rights section entertained the public with a sketch by the well-known local theatre group Lumiere de la Vie. Entitled, "La Femme Aussi", the short play carried a large message: woman can participate in all professions and activities the world over, including those most pertinent to the DR Congo, such as elections, security, and demobilization of former combatants.

As prelude to the women's day celebrations on the 8th of March, 2005, PIO/Radio Okapi organized a lecture on women sexual violence and abuse facilitated by a group of local lawyer. The day proper ended with wining and dining in MONUC Kindu's headquarters.

From: http://www.monuc.org/Story.aspx?storyID=422