Julienne Lusenge is the President of Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development (SOFEPADI), a coalition of 40 women’s organizations in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Julienne works tirelessly to manage the coalition as it fights for an end to sexual violence in the DRC. Julienne became an activist in 1998 when inter-ethnic war arrived at her doorstep. After witnessing members of armed groups raping and brutalizing women in her community, Ms. Lusenge was compelled to act.
Today SOFEPADI helps survivors of sexual violence throughout the eastern DRC navigate the judicial system and bring the perpetrators of rape and sexual assault to justice. Ms. Lusenge also actively promotes acceptance and reintegration for survivors into their communities.
Ms. Lusenge’s work extends beyond the borders of the DRC, as she serves on the advisory committee of the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict. Ms. Lusenge has been globally recognized for her work, receiving the Human Rights Award from the Embassy of France, whose government also named her a Knight of the Legion of Honour.
In 2021 Ms. Lusenge was named the Aurora Humanitarian of the year.
