Recognition Hard Won | From Survival To Governance

Julienne Lusenge, Executive Director of the Congolese Women's Fund and Aurora Prize laureate, holds an award and official commendation before the seal of the United States Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, date unspecified (archive).

The recognition one of many bestowed upon Lusenge by international institutions including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Time Magazine, which named her among the world's 100 most influential people in 2024 stands as a testament to over two decades of relentless advocacy for women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in eastern DRC.

Yet for Lusenge, awards are not the measure of success: that measure is found in the women freed from silence, the perpetrators brought to justice, and the younger generation of Congolese women defenders now rising, inspired by her example, to continue the fight.