Final Evaluation: Amélioration de l’accès aux services multisectoriels pour les femmes et filles déplacées internes au Nord Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Location: North Kivu (Beni, Kalunguta, Vuhovi, Kayna, Nyiragongo, and Kirotshe), Democratic Republic of Congo 

Grantee partner: Solidarité Féminine Pour La Paix et le Développement Integral (SOFEPADI) 

Grant period: August 2022 – July 2025 

Grant amount: $990,368 

Authors/editors: Dora Muhuku Salama, Trésor Kamate Upesi 

Evaluation year: 2026 

Summary

Solidarité Féminine Pour La Paix et le Développement Integral (SOFEPADI) conducted the initiative “Amélioration de l’accès des femmes et filles déplacées internes aux services de prise en charge multisectorielle des survivantes des violences basées sur le genre dans les zones d'acceuil et de retour au Nord Kivu” in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo between August 2022 and July 2024. It aimed to improve access to integrated medical, psychosocial, legal, and economic support for survivors and those at risk of violence against women and girls, with a focus on internally displaced women, adolescents, marginalized minorities, and women with disabilities. It also strengthened community‑based prevention. 

The evaluation found that the initiative delivered strong and often exceptional results despite major operational constraints. It expanded access to care, shifted harmful norms, and strengthened local structures, though barriers persist for the most marginalized, and sustainability remains dependent on security conditions. 

Key findings 

• 8,258 survivors received case management (target: 7,740) and 2,948 accessed emergency medical care within 72 hours (target: 450). 
• Timely access to medical services increased from 20% at baseline to 60% at the end of the project, showing stronger referral pathways and improved confidence in services. 
• Awareness activities reached close to 378,000 people, with 91% reporting improved gender relations, 95% reported reduction in violent behavior, and 96% more equitable gender role attitudes. 
• 598 survivors launched or expanded income‑generating activities (target: 400), with 69% reporting higher income at the end of the project. 
• Stronger collaboration among health, community, and legal actors, alongside survivor‑ and community‑led initiatives, enhanced continuity of support, referrals and social acceptance. 

“We no longer hide ourselves as we used to; now, we dare to speak up 

when a man assaults us." – Young woman, Kalunguta 

Original: [On ne se cache plus comme avant, maintenant on ose parler

quand un homme nous aggresse]