Widespread conflict and instability in eastern DR Congo over the past 20 years have led to serious tensions within communities, which often escalate into violence. Femmes Rurales Amies de la Paix et du Developpmement (FERAPAD) seek to restore and strengthen peaceful values of community harmony and coexistence. They work to build peace by reconciling communities, improving food security, and promoting human rights and good governance. They also encourage armed groups to turn their backs on violence and return to their communities.

FERAPAD’s main areas of work are: peace and reconciling communities; food security (agro-pastoral work); human rights; good governance and accountability; educating the public about peace, human rights and development through the media; fighting against sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence; recovering children from the mines in the Fizi-Itombwe region, and providing them with guidance and supervision.

FERAPAD also raises awareness on the demobilisation, disarmament and socioeconomic rehabilitation of ex-combatants.