Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — July 17, 2026 – The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Gender Reference Group has released a Gender Advocacy Brief emphasizing the critical need for a gender-integrated approach in the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The brief, developed to address the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on women and girls, outlines the heightened risks associated with gender — based violence, disruptions to life-saving services, and loss of livelihoods.
The document, informed by a virtual consultation held on June 25, 2026, involving local women’s organizations and national groups focused on gender and violence, underscores the pivotal role of these organizations in prevention efforts, community engagement, and service delivery during the outbreak.
The brief specifically highlights the following areas of concern: – The exacerbation of gender-based violence and the disruption of essential services, including sexual and reproductive health. – The loss of livelihoods and barriers to education for women and girls. – The need for women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes related to the response.
The IASC Gender Reference Group’s analysis also covers the 10th through 13th Ebola outbreaks in the DRC, noting the varying impacts on genders and the exacerbation of inequalities.
The brief calls for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the specific needs and risks faced by women and girls.
The recommendations within the brief are aimed at responders, donors, and coordination mechanisms to strengthen the Ebola response by integrating gender considerations into all aspects of the crisis management.
As the DRC continues to face this health emergency, the IASC Gender Reference Group’s Gender Advocacy Brief serves as a critical resource for understanding the unique challenges faced by women and girls during the outbreak. It is a call to action for a more equitable and effective response to the Ebola crisis in the DRC and beyond.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee
