In the face of war and conflict, where women’s rights are often trampled, Julienne Lusenge has emerged as a leading voice advocating for the victims of wartime sexual violence. A fierce Congolese human rights activist, Lusenge’s work transcends borders, championing the rights of women who have been subjected to atrocities in war-torn regions.
Her tireless efforts to document sexual violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide support for survivors have earned her global recognition, but most importantly, she has given a voice to the voiceless in her homeland.
Julienne Lusenge: From Radio Journalist to Human Rights Advocate
Julienne Lusenge began her career as a journalist in the late 1990s in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amidst the eruption of civil war. As a humanitarian radio broadcaster, she communicated vital health and human rights information to remote villages.
However, as she traveled through the eastern DRC, the stories she encountered were much more harrowing than anticipated. Women, once silent, began to open up about the heinous sexual violence they had witnessed or endured at the hands of armed forces. Moved by their suffering and the widespread impunity for these crimes, Lusenge decided to turn her role from journalist to human rights advocate.
Her early days as a journalist served as the foundation for her activism. She documented the testimonies of women survivors and publicly condemned the atrocities against them. It wasn’t long before she realized that more needed to be done to address the trauma and fight for justice, which led to the birth of a movement that would transform women’s rights in the region.
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Founding SOFEPADI: Bringing Women’s Voices to the Forefront
In 2000, driven by a deep sense of outrage at the ongoing violence against women, Lusenge and 22 other activists came together to form Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development (SOFEPADI). Their mission was twofold: raise awareness about gender-based violence and assist the survivors of these horrendous acts.
Under Lusenge’s leadership, SOFEPADI became a vital support system for women, offering psychological care and legal assistance to help them seek justice. SOFEPADI’s impact was immediate, as it began assisting survivors in navigating the judicial system and advocated for harsher penalties for perpetrators of sexual violence.
SOFEPADI didn’t just stop at local advocacy. Lusenge led efforts to collaborate with international organizations, including the United Nations, to bring global attention to the crisis of sexual violence in the DRC. She was instrumental in ensuring that gender-based violence was recognized as a critical issue that needed urgent international intervention.
Lusenge’s dedication to amplifying the voices of survivors earned her a seat at key discussions on human rights, both in Africa and on the global stage.
Establishing the Fund for Congolese Women (FFC)
In 2007, Lusenge furthered her advocacy by founding the Fund for Congolese Women (FFC). She recognized that while international awareness was growing, there was a dire need for local women’s organizations to have sustainable funding. FFC became a bridge between global donors and local women’s rights groups, helping grassroots initiatives access the financial support necessary to continue their crucial work.
Through FFC, countless women’s rights projects have flourished, leading to long-term development and advocacy in previously neglected communities.
Expanding Her Work Across Borders
Julienne Lusenge’s work has extended well beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She became a senior partner with Media Matters for Women, an organization committed to closing the digital divide for isolated women in Africa. Through this partnership, Lusenge helps deliver vital information to women in remote communities, ensuring they are aware of their rights and how to protect themselves from violence and exploitation.
Lusenge is also a key figure in the International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict Zones. Her involvement in this global campaign highlights her commitment to addressing gender-based violence as a critical issue in conflict zones around the world. Additionally, she serves as the Vice President of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), another platform through which she champions women’s rights globally.
Investigating Abuse by Aid Workers
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) appointed Lusenge co-chair of an independent commission to investigate sexual abuse allegations during the 2018 Ebola outbreak in the DRC. This marked yet another milestone in her career as a human rights advocate. Her leadership in this sensitive investigation demonstrated her commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their positions or affiliations.
Lusenge’s work in this commission not only shed light on the exploitation faced by women during crises but also contributed to broader systemic reforms in the humanitarian sector.
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Global Acknowledgment of Her Work
Lusenge’s tireless dedication to advocating for survivors of sexual violence has earned her numerous prestigious awards. In 2018, she was awarded the Women’s International Rights Award at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. This accolade recognized her exceptional work in defending the rights of Congolese women amid war, making her a symbol of resilience and justice on the global stage.
Her achievements don’t stop there. Lusenge has been honored with the Ginetta Sagan Award from Amnesty International, given to women working to end human rights abuses worldwide. She has also received the Human Rights Award from the French Embassy, and in 2013, she was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour by the French Government.
In 2021, Lusenge was awarded the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a prestigious global humanitarian award celebrating individuals who put themselves at risk to help others. More recently, she received the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 2023, further solidifying her place as one of the foremost defenders of women’s rights worldwide.
The Fight for Justice Continues
Under Lusenge’s leadership, SOFEPADI continues to be a vital force in the fight against sexual violence in the DRC. The organization not only helps survivors heal but also works to change the narrative around gender-based violence. SOFEPADI’s legal team actively holds perpetrators accountable in court, while their healthcare providers offer survivors critical medical and psychological care.
At RefinedNG, we honor African heroes like Julienne Lusenge, whose unrelenting commitment to justice and human rights brings hope to countless African women. If Julienne’s story has inspired you, follow us as we continue to spotlight changemakers and share impactful African stories. Subscribe to our newsletter today and join the conversation on celebrating African excellence.