Rockflower is launching a campaign to begin work with Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) on the first of three training activities to educate and inspire women in marginalized communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to actively contribute to a just, peaceful and democratic society.

The goal for this fundraising campaign is to train 50 women peer educators in conflict prevention and peace building. These women will go on to train a further 200 women in conflict prevention and peace building.

Funds raised from this campaign will cover the costs of renting meeting space and purchasing training materials as well as participant transportation and meal costs.

The Promote Women's Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building campaign is being led by Youth Advisory Board member Hannah Dawicki.

About SOFEDI

With elections scheduled for December 23rd, 2018 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and tensions running high as to the outcome, Rockflower’s newest partnership with SOFEDI is particularly timely.

Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) was established in 2014 as a grassroots, community-based, not-for-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) in Kazimia, Fizi District Administration Office (DAO). Since its inception, SOFEDI has been advocating for women's and girls' access to decision making in political, social and economic positions within the community.

Within a short period of time, SOFEDI has established itself as a leading organization working in the sector of women's equal participation in decision making. It has introduced and established the agenda "Women in Politics", which has been expanded and adopted by others in the district. The organization has continuously supported and advocated for human rights, social protection and the establishment of democratic practices. It has implemented voter education programs in Fizi zone, to educate the public on leadership opportunities for women and girls.