Empowering girls in the DRC to learn, lead, and succeed through education and mentorship

Break the Silence. Unlock Her Potential.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), deep-rooted inequality and violence against women continue to silence their potential and shatter their futures. Education and empowerment are not just opportunities—they are urgent necessities.

In 2025, girls and young women face relentless challenges. Conflict, poverty, and gender inequality threaten their lives and limit their potential. Despite the DRC’s natural wealth, instability has held back progress for decades. According to the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, a child born in the DRC today will only reach 37% of their potential due to poor education, health issues, and poverty. Young women also face widespread violence and severe gender inequality.

But change is possible.
YWE is fighting back by empowering girls and young women aged 12-25 to break free from social and economic barriers. We guide them to continue their education or pursue vocational training—building skills, confidence, and resilience.

By reducing barriers to education and vocational trainings and providing mentorship and leadership training, we unite girls from diverse locations and backgrounds in supportive cohorts, creating a generation of strong, determined leaders. When girls have the tools to shape their futures, they lift their families and transform their communities.

Join the Movement. Empower Girls.

Our Approach: Education

YWE empowers girls aged 12-18 by supporting their secondary education, equipping them with critical thinking skills that can lead to economic independence or pathways to higher education. Significantly reducing barriers so that girls can focus on their education, YWE covers:

  • school fees

  • supplies

  • school meal

  • uniforms

  • locally-made hygiene kits

Vocational Training

Motivated young women ages 14-25 can learn a vocation and develop production initiatives with a focus on breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. This empowerment enables them to challenge cultural gender norms from within, rise out of poverty, and achieve economic independence. YWE covers:

  • enrollment fees

  • course fees + exams

  • supplies

  • internship fees

  • locally-made hygiene kits

Mentorship

We build strong cohorts of mentors and mentees by harnessing the power of mentorship. Each girl gains the opportunity for transformative growth, unlocking her potential to drive local development and contribute to the greater good. YWE provides ongoing guidance and support to mentors and mentees and covers:

  • transportation + refreshments for in-person meetings

  • leadership trainings

  • 1:1 coaching

  • group coaching

“To girls and women everywhere, I issue a simple invitation. My sisters, my daughters, my friends; find your voice.”

— President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First woman president in Africa & Nobel Peace Prize winner

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
info@youngwomenemerge.org

Phone
00-49-173-2394403