I am thrilled to introduce Dr. Esther Alenge Myambabo, National Executive Director of Indigenous Women for Health and Equality (IWHE-NGO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo for this edition of Service Spotlight. IWHE-NGO believes that together, we can create a future where indigenous women look to the future with hope and opportunity.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is!”
Esther: Happiness is finding strength and solidarity within our communities, where every woman and girl is empowered to shape her own destiny and contribute to a brighter future for all.
Liz: Tell me about Indigenous Women for Health and Equality.
Esther: IWHE-NGO is an independent, non-profit, non-political, non-denominational organization established in 2020 by a group of indigenous women and girls. Its purpose is to address the lack of empowerment and gender inequalities faced by indigenous women and girls within local and national communities. IWHE-NGO aims to empower indigenous women and girls to actively and politically participate in decisions impacting their futures and to educate community members to promote indigenous women and girl’s rights, particularly in the South Kivu province.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Esther: The driving force behind IWHE-NGO is the desire to address the lack of empowerment and gender inequalities faced by indigenous women and girls within local and national communities. Ultimately, the organization envisions a future where indigenous women can look forward with hope and strive to guide, support, and mentor them in their journey towards well-being and social self-determination.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Esther: Service embodies a profound commitment to the well-being and advancement of indigenous women and girls. It signifies dedicating time, resources, and effort towards addressing the systemic barriers and inequalities they face within their communities. Service, for IWHE-NGO, involves actively listening to the needs and concerns of indigenous women and girls, advocating for their rights, and empowering them to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. Service, ultimately, is about fostering a culture of solidarity, inclusion, and empowerment within indigenous communities, where every woman and girl can thrive and contribute to positive social change.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Esther: To get involved with IWHE-NGO and support our mission to empower indigenous women and girls, there are several ways you can participate. Follow us on the website to stay updated on our latest initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts. Your financial contributions help fund our programs. We also welcome volunteers who are passionate about our cause and willing to contribute their time and skills to support our projects. Help raise awareness about indigenous women’s rights and the importance of gender equality by sharing our content, resources, and campaigns with your network. Attend our events, workshops, and seminars to learn more about the issues facing indigenous women and girls and how you can make a difference.
Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?
Esther: Collaboration Opportunities: We are always open to collaborating with like-minded organizations, individuals, and stakeholders who share our vision and are committed to advancing the rights and well-being of indigenous women and girls. If you are interested in partnering with IWHE-NGO or have ideas for collaboration, please reach out to us.
Education and Capacity Building: In addition to addressing gender inequalities, IWHE-NGO also focuses on education and capacity building initiatives aimed at empowering indigenous women and girls with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive. These efforts include workshops, training programs, and educational campaigns.
Sustainability: Sustainability is at the core of our work. We strive to implement long-term solutions and interventions that create lasting positive change for indigenous women and girls, their families, and their communities. This includes promoting sustainable development practices, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community engagement and grassroots activism. We actively involve indigenous women, girls, and community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of our programs to ensure they are culturally relevant, responsive to local needs, and driven by the voices of those most affected.
Continued Advocacy: Our work does not end with addressing immediate needs. We are committed to ongoing advocacy efforts at local, national, and international levels to promote policy change, legislative reforms, and social justice for indigenous women and girls. We advocate for their rights to be recognized, respected, and protected in all spheres of life. Thank you for your interest and support in our mission. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world for indigenous women and girls.
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice to leave us with?
Esther: One of our favorite quotes that encapsulates our mission and values is by Audre Lorde: “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” This quote reminds us of the interconnectedness of our struggles and the importance of solidarity in our fight for equality and empowerment. It serves as a powerful reminder that our work must be inclusive, intersectional, and rooted in the belief that no one is truly free until all are free.
Comments