The escalation of violence since January 2025 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, with many concerns for civil society at large and women and children in particular, as they face disproportionate risk from hunger, and sexual and gender-based violence. Working in the DRC with 13 civil society partner organisations, the majority of which are based in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, the GLA stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and calls for the urgent implementation of all measures to end the violence.

In the week of International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to gender justice and women’s rights under the Forests for a Just Future programme, implemented by the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA). At a time when commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion are being rolled back in many places, we must continue to show why they matter. This year’s theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” reminds us that progress is not guaranteed. It must be fought for. 

Last August, the call from our Ugandan partner organisation Friends of Zoka to protect Zoka Central Forest Reserve was recognized by the Ugandan parliament. After viewing a broadcast of Friends of Zoka’s documentary on Zoka Forest, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament took an interest in the issue. This lead to a fruitful meeting last month, with outcomes that could finally lead to accountability for the continued exploitation of the forest.