The Professional Learning and Support Centre located in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo puts forward a multifaceted approach that fosters the development and reinforcement of local women’s and youths’ professional, economic and social skills, guiding them in the creation and management of income-generating activities (IGAs).

A particular emphasis is placed on the creation of individual and collective ecological agropastoral microenterprises. The centre can also set up Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) with management committees.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against girls and women severely restrains their development. It also debilitates the country, where structural and cyclical poverty has persisted for several decades.

Furthermore, awareness workshops on girls’ and women’s rights, stigmas, and respectful behaviours will be offered to young men, in order to effect lasting change and promote gender equality.