Socio-cultural determinants of sexual violence and child marriage in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

A comprehensive UN review of progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals shows that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lags behind in socioeconomic development and in achieving gender equality, including reducing sexual violence and ending child marriage by 2030. Insecurity, armed conflict and poor governance have caused mass displacement, poverty and low access to basic socioeconomic services (such as sexual and reproductive health services, education and justice), which perpetuate the cycle of violence against women and girls.

Sexual violence and child marriage amongst adolescent girls have not always been quantified or systematically studied so that evidence can be generated to inform appropriate responses. This project will examine the types and prevalence of sexual violence and child marriage among adolescent girls with particular attention to the most vulnerable. It will identify their determinants and protective factors and review existing policies and legal frameworks as well as the implementation, impacts and gaps in current programs and interventions. It will share research results and related programmatic recommendations with stakeholders (in particular UNICEF and the DRC government) to formulate effective and adapted strategies for the protection, empowerment and well-being of girls in DRC.

This project will draw on multiple stakeholders, disciplines and methods and will be implemented in f the provinces of Kinshasa, Kasai Oriental, Mai-Ndombe and Tanganyika. The evidence will be broadly disseminated through at least three scientific papers, ongoing engagement workshops with key stakeholders, and the development of programmatic recommendations that will inform UNICEF and the government’s upcoming strategy for child protection.