Our Collection
Explore our handpicked artworks
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JUSTINE MASIKA | From Survival To Governance
Justine Masika Bihamba is a Congolese women’s rights activist and human rights defender from North Kivu, DRC. Founder of SFVS, she has dedicated her life to supporting survivors of sexual violence, promoting peacebuilding, and advancing women’s leadership in conflict-affected communities. Through her advocacy and grass- roots work, she has become a leading voice for justice, dignity, and the protection of women and children in eastern Congo.
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Uwineza MARTHA | From Survival To Governance
Uwineza Martha is a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. During the genocide, she lost her entire family of 23 members, including her parents, siblings, relatives, and close friends. Left completely alone at a young age, she grew up without support, care, or a sense of belonging. She often reflects on her survival with uncertainty, questioning why she was spared while everyone around her was killed. This experience deeply shaped her early life and emotional state. Through this process, Martha experienced a profound transformation. From a place of isolation and emotional pain, she moved toward healing, acceptance, and active participation in her community. SEVOTA played a key role in shaping her journey. It not only provided a space for healing but also helped her rediscover her ability to relate to others and contribute meaningfully to society. Today, Martha is a leader in her community and serves as a member of a local decision-making committee. This is a role she never imagined for herself in the past. In addition, she leads a group of women who continue to meet regularly to support one another, recognizing that healing is an ongoing process. She has also rebuilt her personal life and is now a mother of four children. “When you want to do something good, it is possible, especially when you do it with others. No one can live alone.” Her journey reflects a clear transition from survival to leadership, demonstrating how community -based support can enable women not only to heal but also to take part in governance and decision -making.
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Arlette Irankunda| From Survival To Governance
Je m’appelle Arlette Irankunda. Je suis physiothérapeute, entrepreneure sociale et défenseure des droits des personnes en situation de handicap au Burundi. Mon engagement est né bien avant la création de mes organisations. En grandissant, j’ai vu de nombreuses personnes vivre avec des limitations physiques qui auraient pu être réduites grâce à un meilleur accès aux soins et à des services adaptés. Cette réalité a profondément marqué ma vision et a influencé les choix que j’ai faits tout au long de mon parcours. Bridges to Inclusion est une organisation qui œuvre pour améliorer la qualité de vie des enfants en situation de handicap et de leurs familles. Notre vision est celle d’une société où chaque enfant, quelles que soient ses capacités, peut participer pleinement à la vie de sa communauté. Nous travaillons pour réduire les barrières qui limitent leur accès à la santé, à la mobilité, à l’éducation et à la participation sociale. Mon engagement est guidé par une conviction simple : chaque enfant mérite les mêmes chances de grandir, d’apprendre, de rêver et de participer pleinement à la société. L’inclusion n’est pas un privilège. C’est un droit. À travers Bridges to Inclusion, je continuerai à travailler avec les familles, les communautés et les partenaires pour construire des ponts vers un avenir où aucun enfant n’est laissé de côté.
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Nelly MBANGU | From Survival To Governance
Nelly Godelive Mbangu is a lawyer at the North Kivu Bar in Goma and a gender expert and conflict mediator in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. A committed human rights defender, she focuses on advancing the rights of women and girls. She coordinates the women’s platform Sauti ya Mama Mukongomani, a network of 56 national organizations promoting peace, social cohesion, and women’s rights, and is co-founder and president of the Dynamique des Femmes Juristes. Her work supports mediation, access to justice, prevention of gender-based violence, and women’s leadership. Recognized for her impact, she is an ambassador of the Mama Muilu Prize and a laureate of the 2025 Franco-German Prize for Human Rights
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Chantal FAIDA | From Survival To Governance
Chantal Faida is a women’s rights activist, leader, and author from Goma with nearly 12 years of experience in advocacy and community development. She is the founder of UWEMA, where she promotes access to education forvulnerable groups, including orphans and displaced children, through scholarship and empowerment programs. Specialized in gender and development, she has led multiple leadership initiatives for young women in politics across Democratic Republic of the Congo, providing training, mentoring, and political coaching. Chantal holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizationa lManagement and is also the author of the book: ”Je m'engage en politique : Femme, allume ta flamme pour le changement positif dans ton pays.” She previously ran as a candidate in provincial and national elections in Goma.
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MAMAN BEATRICE | From Survival To Governance
Nsekuye Béatrice is a dedicated community leader who has transformed access to maternal healthcare by founding a hospital in 2003 to provide safe and dignified childbirth for all women. Through her commitment, often offering care free of charge, she has saved lives, improved maternal and infant health, and restored dignity to vulnerable women. Her hospital has grown into a trusted community pillar, fostering resilience, empowerment, and a lasting culture of care and solidarity.