Dignity & Post-Maternity Kits for IDP women in DRC

Despite receiving only $2 toward the project's $116,175 fundraising goal, the project“Dignity & Post-Maternity Kits for IDP Women in DRC” remains critically important in the current humanitarian context in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We sincerely thank GlobalGiving and the donor who has contributed to this initiative, as well as everyone who has visited or shown interest in the project. Although formal IDP camps in Goma no longer exist, this does not mean that the humanitarian needs of displaced and conflict-affected women and girls have disappeared. Many families have returned to their villages and places of origin, where pregnant women, girls, and new mothers continue to face serious economic and humanitarian challenges. At the same time, other displaced women and girls remain in Goma, living with host families and often depending on already vulnerable households for shelter and basic support. Pregnant women and new mothers in both situations may struggle to access essential hygiene, dignity, and post-maternity items. The project therefore remains highly relevant and can support vulnerable women before and after childbirth while helping them maintain dignity during an extremely difficult period.

The challenging security and operational environment continues to affect the pace at which activities can be implemented. Ongoing instability in and around Goma has disrupted normal services and created significant logistical and financial challenges. Banking services and access to organizational financial resources have also been severely affected, making it difficult to access our account and mobilize available resources for activities on the ground. While the current amount raised is not sufficient to implement the planned distribution of dignity and post-maternity kits at the intended scale, Blessed Aid remains committed to the project's objectives. The project will continue to prioritize vulnerable pregnant women, girls, and new mothers who have returned to conflict-affected communities, as well as those who remain displaced and are living with host families in Goma. Continued visibility on GlobalGiving remains important for maintaining awareness of these continuing needs and helping ensure that vulnerable women and girls in North Kivu are not forgotten. We will continue to provide transparent updates regarding progress, challenges, and future implementation as conditions and access to resources permit.