DR Congo: Gender roles and decision making power in the Ebola response in Bunia Rwampara and Nyakunde

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Mercy Corps Please refer to the attached file. The Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) conducted in Bunia, Rwampara and Nyakunde Health Zones (HZ) shows that the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) response is taking place amid social, economic, health and protection vulnerabilities that affect women, men, girls and boys differently. Focus group participants and key informants report a gradual improvement in knowledge and recognition of EVD. This improvement does not benefit everyone equally: rumours, mistrust and material constraints limit sustained adoption of preventive measures and timely access to care, and weigh most heavily on women and girls, who apply most measures day to day without controlling the resources they require. Across the three HZ, respondents say they increasingly recognise the main signs of EVD and several preventive measures: handwashing, reducing physical contact, reporting suspected cases and seeking care at health facilities. A substantial gap nonetheless remains between knowledge and practice. Unreliable access to water, soap, handwashing facilities and sanitation is a major obstacle. In Nyakunde, some girls must rise very early to collect water, which increases both their workload and their exposure to protection risks. In Rwampara, distance and household finances limit water availability. In Bunia, handwashing facilities remain insufficient in some busy locations. The analysis also highlights a pronounced gender division of roles. Women and girls carry much of the care for sick people, water collection, household hygiene, child supervision and daily prevention. This gives them real practical influence but increases their exposure to health and protection risks. Men retain significant influence over certain family and community decisions, notably healthcare and the mobilisation of resources. Boys and young people play a growing role in awareness-raising, alerts, maintenance of WASH facilities and message sharing. Community participation is real, but the degree of participation does not always match influence over decision-making. Women and young boys are heavily involved in prevention and awareness-raising, yet their influence on strategic decisions varies. In Rwampara, women take part in community activities but have limited influence in some decision-making forums. In Nyakunde, the representation of women and young people appears relatively more inclusive, although men still dominate some critical decisions. In Bunia, young people appear to have gained recognition through their awareness-raising role. Social and cultural norms and networks of influence play a dual role. Greetings, physical contact, shared meals or utensils and funeral ceremonies may increase exposure and complicate protective measures. Conversely, customary chiefs, local and religious leaders, community health workers (RECO), teachers, youth leaders and associations are essential intermediaries for message acceptance. Direct experience of the disease, particularly witnessing deaths or recoveries, also appears to have changed perceptions. Finally, the RGA identifies protection and GBV risks that differ by sex and age. Women and girls appear particularly exposed because of their domestic responsibilities, journeys to collect water and certain power relations. Some informants also report risks of sexual exploitation and abuse in the response context. Stigmatisation of affected people, contacts and survivors is a cross-cutting risk that may lead to under-reporting of symptoms and GBV incidents. These findings call for an Ebola response that systematically combines risk communication, community engagement, WASH, gender, protection and GBV, rather than treating them separately.
2026-10-07 08:35:47