Stéphan, International Development and Globalization Alternatives,
Democratic Republic of Congo
Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI)
Program Assistant
After nearly ten weeks, we are reaching the conclusion of our internship. Despite the challenges we faced, this international experience remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
At the start of my placement, I had mixed feelings about doing an internship online. I was particularly worried about having an overwhelming workload given the ongoing global health crisis. I feared that stress and poor time management would overshadow my desire to learn. However, the workload was well-balanced and adapted to our available time, making the experience both manageable and enriching.
Participating in an international internship as a program assistant for Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) gave me a glimpse into the immense work this organization carries out every day on the ground. Since 2005, SOFEDI has been advocating for the rights of women working in artisanal mining and providing support to survivors of sexual violence, helping them rebuild their lives. In a region where women are often abandoned and left to fend for themselves, SOFEDI offers essential aid to women in South Kivu province.
Working with SOFEDI has profoundly shifted my perspective on gender equality and turned me into an advocate for women’s rights. I strongly encourage anyone interested in working with SOFEDI to do so without hesitation. It is an organization where members have big hearts and truly embody the essence of humanitarianism.