Emilie Boyongo, recipient of FBA's 1325 Scholarship for 2024, in memory of Zaida Catalán

The 1325 scholarship, established by FBA in 2020 on behalf of the Swedish government, targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their careers. It provides them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in issues related to women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution within their local contexts.

Recognized for her significant efforts and commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, Emilie Boyongo was selected from among 35 qualified applicants for this year’s scholarship in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

– While we had many remarkable applicants, Emilie stood out due to her deep understanding of the local context in eastern DRC, her academic background in development studies and information science, and her active engagement in human rights advocacy, particularly for women and youth. Her ability to articulate her vision and demonstrate her passion for peacebuilding also made her the ideal candidate, says Isa Li Axberg, desk officer in charge of the 1325 scholarship at FBA.

Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security

Emilie’s commitment to the WPS agenda stems from her upbringing in a family deeply involved in human rights activism.

– My commitment comes from being surrounded by inspiring activists working on the same agenda, the closest is my mother who has been my mentor and role model since forever, Emilie shares.

Frequently accompanying her mother to field activities, trainings, and marches organized to address violence against women and children in the eastern DRC profoundly impacted her.  

– These experiences made me understand the disastrous impacts of conflict and fuelled my desire to advocate for peace, she adds.

Addressing Challenges in the DRC

In her work, Emilie focuses on two primary challenges: the lack of political representation for women and discriminatory social norms.

– Women's political representation has been weak in the DRC, but the recent appointment of the first female prime minister is a positive change, I believe it is a step in the right direction, Emilie notes.

She also highlights the continued existence of discriminatory norms:

– These discriminatory norms limit women's access to education and economic opportunities, and so these issues drive my work towards creating a safer, and more inclusive environment for women and girls, Emilie explains.

Scholarship Expectations and Contributions

Receiving the 1325 scholarship presents a significant opportunity for Emilie.

– I see it as an opportunity to not only learn and gain new perspectives, but to also strengthen the knowledge I already have and enhance my skills to contribute more effectively to peace and security initiatives in my community and globally, she expresses.

Emilie also looks forward to gaining practical experience, learning from her colleagues at Kvinna till Kvinna in Bukavu, and deepening her understanding of key United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to WPS and youth in peacebuilding.

– By the end of the scholarship period, I hope to have contributed to meaningful initiatives that advance sustainable peace and support for women, Emilie states.

Long-term Goals

Emilie’s long-term goals include establishing a community-based network to support women affected by conflict, advocating for gender equality policy changes, and promoting the inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes. She also aspires to contribute to research highlighting the critical role of women in peacebuilding and to promote peace through non-violent means.

– Ultimately, I aim to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society for future generations, Emilie emphasizes.

Professional Background

Emilie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and Social Sciences at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). She holds a diploma in Library and Information Science and has extensive experience in communication and social media management through her work with Cris de la Femme DRC, an NGO advocating for human rights. Her proficiency in English, French, Swahili, and Lingala enables her to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Read more about the 1325 scholarship for 2024.