Synergie des Femmes (SFVS)

Mission

Synergy is a platform of 35 local organizations in Democratic Republic of Congo working to prevent sexual violence, to assist survivors and to persecute perpetrators. Through collaborative action, Synergy aims to empower women and advocate for national judicial reform.

Programs

• Lobbying for equitable justice: Community education on the Congolese law on sexual violence and judicial services for survivors. • Counseling for survivors: Counselors throughout rural areas to provide support. • Medical support for survivors: Counselors refer survivors to partner organizations for appropriate medical care. • Economic assistance for survivors: Synergy provides economic assistance through collective agriculture fields and small business grants for survivors.

Personnel Overview

Justine Bihamba - Coordinator
Justine is the coordinator and founder of Synergy and one of the most prominent activists against sexual violence in DRC. Justine and Synergy were very influential in creating the bill that was passed in 2006 by the national legislature defending women's rights and making sexual violence one of the highest punishable crimes.

Personnel Statistics

Justine Bihamba,
Coordinator
Founded in 2002
Employees: 8
Volunteers: 0