Women Leading Peace

The Issue

In the Central African Republic (CAR), women and girls face deep-rooted gender inequalities that limit their access to education, employment, and decision-making. These barriers, combined with years of crisis, have led to widespread gender-based violence.

Between January and September 2024, over 16,000 cases were reported – one third of them rape. Conflict-related sexual violence increased by 66% in a single year.

At the same time, women and girls are often excluded from peace and reconciliation efforts, seen as unable to understand or manage conflicts. Young women, in particular, carry the heavy weight of restrictive social norms while being denied opportunities to shape the future of their communities.

This project responds to these challenges by building on years of experience in Sibut, Bangui, and Kaga Bandoro. Through our work in peacebuilding and gender equality, we know the barriers women face – and the power they can have when given the space to lead.

The Project

The project works to promote gender equality, strengthen women’s leadership, and ensure their active role in community peace efforts. It focuses on three main areas:

Empowering individuals: training young women in leadership, advocacy, and economic skills to strengthen their independence and confidence.
Building collective action: supporting women’s groups, youth networks, and civil society organizations to carry out initiatives for peace and gender equality.
Challenging harmful norms: engaging men, boys, traditional leaders, and religious figures in open dialogue to transform social norms and promote positive masculinity.

We also support women’s economic empowerment by providing training, start-up kits for small businesses, and tools for savings groups and farming cooperatives. This combination of social and economic support gives women both a stronger voice and practical means to improve their lives.

By strengthening civil society organisations, the project also ensures sustainability, helping them become long-term advocates for gender equality and peace in their communities.

Group photo of local authorities, the French Ambassador in CAR, and project teams during the official launch of the “Women as Change-Makers” project in Sibut, CAR.

The Change

This project gives women and girls the confidence, tools, and opportunities to become key actors in peace and reconciliation. With stronger leadership and economic independence, they will be able to challenge discrimination and take active roles in decision-making.

Men and boys are also engaged as allies. By working with families, schools, faith leaders, and community groups, harmful gender norms will be challenged and replaced with practices that value equality and inclusion.

Civil society organizations – many of them small, underfunded, and fragile – are strengthened to carry on this work beyond the life of the project. With training, mentorship, and micro-grants, these organizations will continue leading community initiatives and advocating for women’s rights and participation in peacebuilding. The long-term change is a stronger, more inclusive peace process in the Central African Republic – one where women and girls are no longer excluded but are recognized as leaders and drivers of resilience.

Our Partners

DCA works with two local partners to implement the project. We have worked with both organisations for several years in Kémo, which ensures strong local ownership, continuity with past initiatives and effective follow-up after activities end.

CATDEC is a national organisation active across the country. As a long-term DCA partner, CATDEC brings deep experience in youth mobilisation, community outreach and media activities.

Fondation Vegas Jeunes pour le Développement (FVJD) is a national organisation focused on youth development, women’s empowerment and community cohesion. FVJD provides strong local networks and trust in Kémo, helping ensure activities are adapted to local realities and sustainable beyond the project.