Management Response

: Democratic Republic of Congo
: 2020 - 2024 , Democratic Republic of Congo (CO)
: Évaluation Pays Portefeuille 2020-2024
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Democratic Republic of Congo

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The UN Women Country Office in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) welcomes the Country Portfolio Evaluation (2020–2024) and accepts all seven recommendations. Building on actions initiated during 2025–2026, the Office will strengthen portfolio alignment to DRC’s socio‑cultural context; reinforce coordination and resource management; deepen operational partnerships across WPP/WPS/GBV/WEE; stabilize critical staffing and improve financial/reporting systems; invest in partner capacity and diversified funding; advance inclusivity for women and girls; including those with disabilities; and consolidate results‑based management (RBM) through outcome‑level indicators and disaggregated data.
: Approved
Recommendation: The Country Office should enhance the alignment of its portfolio with DRC’s socio-cultural dynamics and expand its scope to address critical gaps in GBV and leadership support
Management Response: An in-depth study on gender-based violence in the political sphere was conducted to document the sociocultural and institutional barriers faced by women. At the same time, the implementation of the roadmap dedicated to combating violence in the political sphere was initiated, enabling concrete prevention and response measures to be put into practice. In addition, activities to engage men were carried out using a positive masculinity approach, helping to promote behavioral changes conducive to gender equality and the reduction of violence. The Office directed most of the flexible funds received from Sweden toward WPP (Women’s Political Participation) initiatives. In addition, additional resources were mobilized from the UK government and UN Women headquarters, further strengthening interventions in support of women’s leadership and political participation.
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Description: The Country Office should enhance the alignment of its portfolio with DRC’s socio-cultural dynamics and expand its scope to address critical gaps in GBV and leadership support
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Ending violence against women (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Alignment with strategy
Organizational Priorities: Operational activities
UNEG Criteria: Coherence
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Develop targeted interventions addressing socio-cultural barriers and enhancing accountability for GBV crime Dr Jules 2026/03 Initiated An in-depth study on gender-based violence in the political sphere was conducted to document the sociocultural and institutional barriers faced by women. At the same time, the implementation of the roadmap dedicated to combating violence in the political sphere was initiated, enabling concrete prevention and response measures to be put into practice. In addition, activities to engage men were carried out using a positive masculinity approach, helping to promote behavioral changes conducive to gender equality and the reduction of violence.
Collaborate with UNESCO, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education to include programming on GBV in schools. Dr Jules 2026/03 Initiated As part of the implementation of the positive masculinity strategy, a joint initiative with the UNDP is being developed to support the Ministry of Education in integrating positive masculinity into the primary school curriculum.
Increase financial prioritization for activities supporting women’s leadership and political participation. Clementine Sangana 2026/02 Overdue-Initiated The Office directed most of the flexible funds received from Sweden toward WPP (Women’s Political Participation) initiatives. In addition, additional resources were mobilized from the UK government and UN Women headquarters, further strengthening interventions in support of women’s leadership and political participation.
Recommendation: The Country Office should improve coordination and resource management across interventions to maximize synergies and avoid duplication.
Management Response: The ministerial forum was based on effective interaction between the various coordination pillars, WPS and WPP, including with UN agencies (UNDP, etc.) the agreement with the Ministry of Gender as a document integrating the actions of the various pillars to avoid duplication. Joint activities with other agencies and organizations were developed. UN Women organized a coordination meeting with the Ituri Gender Division and implementing partners. This meeting made it possible to harmonize approaches, strengthen the complementarity of actions, and ensure better coordination of activities in the field. In addition, partners receiving funding from UN Women will contribute directly to the implementation of activities supported by the organization at the Ministry of Gender. Additional coordination meetings will be held to continue strategic alignment and improve information sharing among stakeholders.
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Description: The Country Office should improve coordination and resource management across interventions to maximize synergies and avoid duplication.
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Governance and planning (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Oversight/governance
Organizational Priorities: Organizational efficiency
UNEG Criteria: Efficiency
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Strengthen coordination mechanisms to avoid duplication in leadership training and resource distribution. . Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Initiated The ministerial forum was based on effective interaction between the various coordination pillars, WPS and WPP, including with UN agencies (UNDP, etc.) the agreement with the Ministry of Gender as a document integrating the actions of the various pillars to avoid duplication. Joint activities with other agencies and organizations were developed. To this end, the ONE UN Gender Team space is used for joint planning of activities, projects, and programs with other agencies. In addition, SMT and PMSU meetings serve as a space for coordinating activities planned by the various pillars.
Establish a centralized database to track overlapping regions and ensure complementary efforts among partners. Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Not Initiated UN Women organized a coordination meeting with the Ituri Gender Division and implementing partners. This meeting made it possible to harmonize approaches, strengthen the complementarity of actions, and ensure better coordination of activities in the field. In addition, partners receiving funding from UN Women will contribute directly to the implementation of activities supported by the organization at the Ministry of Gender. Additional coordination meetings will be held to continue strategic alignment and improve information sharing among stakeholders. In addition, a map of women's organizations has been developed. This tool serves to coordinate and strengthen women's organizations.
Recommendation: The Country Office should strengthen operational strategies and partnerships to ensure sustained impact, particularly in the areas of political participation, GBV and WPS
Management Response: The strategic note was widely circulated to ensure a common understanding and ownership of the priorities related to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Subsequently, an advocacy note developed jointly with MONUSCO in February 2025 was sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and was included in her official speech in June 2025, thereby raising the profile of issues relating to the inclusion of women in peace processes. Finally, high-level advocacy was conducted with the Prime Minister in October 2025 to promote women's engagement in peace and security issues, thereby consolidating the institutional anchoring of this national priority. Actions to implement the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) were initiated, and UN Women supported a major activity that led several banks to formally commit to gender equality, thereby helping to create a more favorable economic environment for women.
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Description: The Country Office should strengthen operational strategies and partnerships to ensure sustained impact, particularly in the areas of political participation, GBV and WPS
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Ending violence against women (SPs before 2018), Women peace and security, humanitarian action & disaster risk reduction
Operating Principles: Alignment with strategy, Oversight/governance
Organizational Priorities: Operational activities
UNEG Criteria: Relevance
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Enhance advocacy for women’s participation in peace processes Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Initiated The strategic note was widely circulated to ensure a common understanding and ownership of the priorities related to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Subsequently, an advocacy note developed jointly with MONUSCO in February 2025 was sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and was included in her official speech in June 2025, thereby raising the profile of issues relating to the inclusion of women in peace processes. Finally, high-level advocacy was conducted with the Prime Minister in October 2025 to promote women's engagement in peace and security issues, thereby consolidating the institutional anchoring of this national priority.
Initiate engagement with political structures Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Initiated
Build long-term strategies to address operational challenges, ensuring focus on both economic and political empowerment Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Initiated Actions to implement the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) were initiated, and UN Women supported a major activity that led several banks to formally commit to gender equality, thereby helping to create a more favorable economic environment for women.
Recommendation: The Country Office should strive to ensure stability in staffing critical areas. Strengthening contract stability for key personnel, where possible and strengthening programme reporting would help to reinforce organizational efficiency
Management Response: The rollout of PRISM began in the second half of 2026. This transition will significantly improve the quality and consistency of financial reporting. In addition, staff adoption of this new system is supported by online training sessions organized by headquarters, supplemented by refresher sessions at the country office level to ensure optimal mastery of the tool. UN Women has initiated a review of its contracting system. This process has enabled the transition of staff from SC contracts to NPSA contracts, offering greater security and better benefits. In addition, the United Nations reform (UN80) has had an impact on budgets and recruitment capacities, temporarily limiting staff expansion. However, resource mobilization strategies are underway to enable recruitment for the economic empowerment position and strengthen the humanitarian pillar for more effective program implementation.
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Description: The Country Office should strive to ensure stability in staffing critical areas. Strengthening contract stability for key personnel, where possible and strengthening programme reporting would help to reinforce organizational efficiency
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Not applicable
Operating Principles: Oversight/governance, Internal coordination and communication
Organizational Priorities: Not applicable
UNEG Criteria: Efficiency
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Implement a streamlined financial reporting system integrated with the Quantum system to ensure financial and programmatic alignment Valery Kabamba 2026/07 Initiated The rollout of PRISM began in the second half of 2026. This transition will significantly improve the quality and consistency of financial reporting. In addition, staff adoption of this new system is supported by online training sessions organized by headquarters, supplemented by refresher sessions at the country office level to ensure optimal mastery of the tool.
Address HR issues by transitioning staff to more stable contracts and increasing staffing in critical areas such as WEE and Humanitarian programmes Valery Kabamba 2026/07 Initiated UN Women has initiated a review of its contracting system. This process has enabled the transition of staff from SC contracts to NPSA contracts, offering greater security and better benefits. In addition, the United Nations reform (UN80) has had an impact on budgets and recruitment capacities, temporarily limiting staff expansion. However, resource mobilization strategies are underway to enable recruitment for the economic empowerment position and strengthen the humanitarian pillar for more effective program implementation.
Recommendation: The Country Office should ensure the long-term viability of programmes by building partner capacity and diversifying financial support mechanisms
Management Response: UN Women supports several civil society organizations through institutional support provided within the framework of WPHF projects. In addition, complementary training will be implemented following the mapping of partner organizations in order to strengthen their skills on various topics aligned with UN Women's areas of intervention, thereby contributing to sustainable skills development tailored to their needs. UN Women has obtained financial support from the National Victims' Reparation Fund (FONAREV), representing a direct contribution from the Congolese government. At the same time, the Office is actively pursuing its advocacy with national institutions to identify and seize new local funding opportunities, with a view to gradually strengthening ownership and sustainability of interventions.
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Description: The Country Office should ensure the long-term viability of programmes by building partner capacity and diversifying financial support mechanisms
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Governance and planning (SPs before 2018)
Operating Principles: Capacity development, Advocacy
Organizational Priorities: Operational activities
UNEG Criteria: Sustainability, Impact
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Invest in capacity-building programmes for institutional partners to ensure self-sufficiency Catherine Odimba 2026/07 Initiated UN Women supports several civil society organizations through institutional support provided within the framework of WPHF projects. In addition, complementary training will be implemented following the mapping of partner organizations in order to strengthen their skills on various topics aligned with UN Women's areas of intervention, thereby contributing to sustainable skills development tailored to their needs.
Diversify funding sources and encourage local resource mobilization to reduce dependency on external financial support. Valery 2026/07 Initiated UN Women has obtained financial support from the National Victims' Reparation Fund (FONAREV), representing a direct contribution from the Congolese government. At the same time, the Office is actively pursuing its advocacy with national institutions to identify and seize new local funding opportunities, with a view to gradually strengthening ownership and sustainability of interventions.
Recommendation: The Country Office should promote inclusivity by tailoring programmes to address the diverse experiences and needs of women and girls in DRC, especially marginalized groups such as women with disabilities.
Management Response: Intergenerational dialogues were organized in October and December, promoting expression and mutual understanding between women and girls of different generations. In addition, an innovative initiative called “Representative for a Day” was implemented to promote female leadership among young girls. In addition, an agreement is being finalized with the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities to strengthen the inclusion of women with disabilities in interventions. Finally, targeted actions with persons with disabilities and young girls are being implemented, reflecting the Office's commitment to adopting truly inclusive and adapted approaches.
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Description: Intergenerational dialogues were organized in October and December, promoting expression and mutual understanding between women and girls of different generations. In addition, an innovative initiative called “Representative for a Day” was implemented to promote female leadership among young girls. In addition, an agreement is being finalized with the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities to strengthen the inclusion of women with disabilities in interventions. Finally, targeted actions with persons with disabilities and young girls are being implemented, reflecting the Office's commitment to adopting truly inclusive and adapted approaches.
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Leadership and political participation (SPs before 2018), Ending violence against women (SPs before 2018), Women peace and security, humanitarian action & disaster risk reduction
Operating Principles: Oversight/governance
Organizational Priorities: Normative Support
UNEG Criteria: Effectiveness, Coherence
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Design and implement differentiated approaches tailored to the diverse needs of Congolese women and girls, including targeted initiatives for women with disabilities Catherine Odimba 2026/02 Overdue-Initiated Intergenerational dialogues were organized in October and December, promoting expression and mutual understanding between women and girls of different generations. In addition, an innovative initiative called “Representative for a Day” was implemented to promote female leadership among young girls. In addition, an agreement is being finalized with the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities to strengthen the inclusion of women with disabilities in interventions. Finally, targeted actions with persons with disabilities and young girls are being implemented, reflecting the Office's commitment to adopting truly inclusive and adapted approaches.
Train staff and partners to integrate inclusivity comprehensively into programme design and execution. Catherine Odimba 2026/09 Initiated Knowledge-sharing sessions between colleagues are organized. One of the topics was developed and led by the monitoring and evaluation officer. In addition, the partners responsible for implementation were trained on gender mainstreaming in the project and programs.
Recommendation: The Country Office should strengthen its results-based management approach by enhancing systems for results tracking, monitoring and reporting, with a focus on measurable outcomes rather than activity-based outputs.
Management Response: The UN Women Country Office ensured the systematic integration of outcome indicators into the design and implementation of programs, including Spotlight, KOICA (EVAWG), and China (WEE). This requirement made it possible to better measure the change brought about by the interventions, in accordance with organizational standards. In addition, the data collection tools used by these programs include detailed disaggregation mechanisms (including by sex, age, and disability status), thus ensuring inclusive analysis and consideration of structural inequalities in progress monitoring. The Office strengthened the capacities of staff and implementing partners by organizing several practical workshops focused on results-oriented monitoring and the collection and analysis of disaggregated data. To this end, an online session was held on January 29, 2026, with FONAREV Project partners, followed by an in-person workshop in Bunia on February 19-20, 2026, for P-DDRCS gender focal points and Cohesion Fund Project partners. Other training sessions are also planned, notably with WPHF partners. At the same time, the Office has institutionalized a PMSU technical session every Wednesday and a knowledge-sharing space every Friday, serving as regular platforms for internal coaching on the thematic aspects of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
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Description: The Country Office should strengthen its results-based management approach by enhancing systems for results tracking, monitoring and reporting, with a focus on measurable outcomes rather than activity-based outputs.
Management Response Category: Accepted
Thematic Area: Not applicable
Operating Principles: Capacity development, Knowledge management
Organizational Priorities: Culture of results/RBM
UNEG Criteria: Efficiency
Key Actions
Responsible Deadline Status Comments
Strengthen institutional M&E capacity by integrating outcome-level indicators into programme design templates and enhancing the use of disaggregated data (e.g. by gender, age and disability). YESSE Dieu-Merci 2026/07 Initiated The UN Women Country Office ensured the systematic integration of outcome indicators into the design and implementation of programs, including Spotlight, KOICA (EVAWG), and China (WEE). This requirement made it possible to better measure the change brought about by the interventions, in accordance with organizational standards. In addition, the data collection tools used by these programs include detailed disaggregation mechanisms (including by sex, age, and disability status), thus ensuring inclusive analysis and consideration of structural inequalities in progress monitoring.
Conduct practical workshops for personnel and programme partners on results-based monitoring and the effective collection and analysis of disaggregated data. Yesse Dieu-Merci 2026/07 Initiated The Office strengthened the capacities of staff and implementing partners by organizing several practical workshops focused on results-oriented monitoring and the collection and analysis of disaggregated data. To this end, an online session was held on January 29, 2026, with FONAREV Project partners, followed by an in-person workshop in Bunia on February 19-20, 2026, for P-DDRCS gender focal points and Cohesion Fund Project partners. Other training sessions are also planned, notably with WPHF partners. At the same time, the Office has institutionalized a PMSU technical session every Wednesday and a knowledge-sharing space every Friday, serving as regular platforms for internal coaching on the thematic aspects of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.