Alla impact stories
Civil society strengthens democracy and rights in DR Congo
Between 2022 and 2025, several of our civil society partners made significant contributions to strengthening democracy and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Organisations such as CAFCO, CODELT and CONAFED helped advance women’s political participation, promote key legislative reforms on natural resources, and support the establishment of a solidarity-based social security system. Youth movements including Filimbi and LUCHA strengthened grassroots organising and developed innovative ways to hold local authorities accountable.Through the Palme Center’s programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo, civil society has gained greater opportunities to influence policy, strengthen democracy and improve people’s living conditions.
During the 2022–2025 programme period, several partner organisations have contributed to tangible results in the areas of women’s political participation, political accountability and workers’ rights.
Strengthening women’s political participation
With support for organisational development and capacity building, the women’s organisation CAFCO has held its first general assembly in many years and trained newly elected female municipal councillors. Their advocacy work helped increase the proportion of female candidates in the 2023 election from 11.68 to 17 per cent.
Grassroot organising, accountability and important legislative reforms
The youth movements Filimbi and LUCHA have strengthened grassroots organising and developed new methods to scrutinise and hold local authorities to account.
At the same time, CODELT has contributed to important legislative reforms concerning natural resources, forests and land rights through legal expertise and strategic advocacy.
Improved conditions for civil society and informal workers
Through the partner organisation CONAFED, a new solidarity-based social security system has also been established for civil society actors and informal workers. In October 2025, representatives from civil society, trade unions and cooperatives gathered to adopt statutes and elect the leadership for the system, which covers pensions, health protection and survivor’s benefits.
Trade unions have also made progress. For the first time in many years, free and democratic trade union elections have been held in workplaces, strengthening workers’ representation and opportunities for dialogue with employers.
Together, these results demonstrate how a strong civil society can create new opportunities for democracy, social justice and citizen influence in the DRC.
