Supporting resilience and recovery for women in eastern Congo

For the past three years, Umicore has been supporting Mamas for Africa, an organization that works alongside women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Based on the strong impact of this partnership and the resilience shown on the ground, we have decided to extend our support for another two years.

Making a difference where it matters most

Mamas for Africa supports survivors of sexual violence through a holistic approach that combines medical and psychological care with prevention, awareness-raising and economic empowerment. Their teams operate mainly in remote areas of South Kivu, where access to care is limited and where women are often left isolated after experiencing violence.

Even in extremely difficult and insecure circumstances, local teams and field workers continue to ensure that women and girls can access care. They help survivors regain dignity and rebuild their lives, supported by strong community networks and trusted medical partners. One such partner is Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, which is led by Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and internationally recognized advocate for survivors of sexual violence.

Why we continue this partnership

As part of its Group donation ambitions, Umicore aims to give back to people and empower communities, with a focus on initiatives that create durable impact in complex environments. The partnership with Mamas for Africa strongly aligns with this ambition. By supporting recovery, resilience and economic empowerment for women affected by violence, the organization contributes to stronger, more self-reliant communities in eastern Congo. Extending this partnership allows Umicore to support a long-term, locally anchored approach that goes beyond immediate relief and helps create the conditions for sustainable recovery.