The Zaida Catalán Club: Empowering Women for Peace, Security, and Climate Justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo

FBA's 1325 Scholarship, established in memory of peace advocate and gender expert Zaida Catalán, empowers young women in conflict-affected regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to become agents of change. Nathalie Ndimubanzi was among the first recipients of the scholarship, and Judith Maroy received the scholarship in 2022. During their time working with the civil society organization Kvinna till Kvinna in Bukavu, DRC, both women deepened their commitment to peacebuilding, which eventually led them to establish the Zaida Catalán Club. 

Nathalie Ndimubanzi was among the first recipients of FBA’s 1325 Scholarship, and Judith Maroy received the scholarship in 2022. During their time working with the civil society organization Kvinna till Kvinna in Bukavu, DRC, both women deepened their commitment to peacebuilding, which eventually led them to establish the Zaida Catalán Club. 

– Being awarded the FBA scholarship and working with Kvinna till Kvinna helped me apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations and understand the challenges facing women in conflict zones. It also gave me the skills and network to become an effective advocate, strengthening my commitment to empowering women and girls to actively participate in peacebuilding, says Judith. 

Nathalie echoes this sentiment, adding: 

– This scholarship helped me deeply understand Resolutions 1325 and 2250 and equipped me with skills in advocacy, fundraising, and program management. Thanks to this, the dream of leaving no one behind is gradually becoming a reality through the Zaida Catalán Club. 

Their shared vision and drive have shaped the club’s mission, laying a strong foundation for its future impact on women and youth in conflict-affected areas. 

A Platform for Youth Engagement and Peacebuilding 

Today, the Zaida Catalán Club is a vibrant platform for youth-led activism, based in Bukavu and Goma. The club is made up of ten young leaders passionate about promoting peace, security, and women’s involvement in the DRC. Collaborating with the University of Goma, the club recently hosted a discussion forum on youth engagement during the International Day of Peace. 

– Youth make up a significant portion of the population in conflict-affected areas, especially in the DRC. They bring innovative ideas and have communication skills, particularly in social media, which are valuable assets in peacebuilding, says Judith. 

Nathalie reinforces this point: 

– Youth are dynamic and ready to launch initiatives to promote peace and security. It’s crucial to support their engagement and channel their efforts into peace processes that create positive change. 

Empowering Women for Climate Justice 

In addition to youth engagement, the Zaida Catalán Club also recognizes the critical role women play in addressing climate justice. Understanding the intersection between peace, security, and environmental issues, the club has prioritized climate justice, particularly the role of women in addressing climate change. With support from the Women’s International Peace Center, the club initiated a project to involve women in climate justice efforts. Over an eight-month period, the project aims to empower women as leaders and advocates for climate action in the DRC. 

– FBA’s workshops on climate security, along with interactions with other peace practitioners, helped us understand the complex link between environmental issues and gender, says Judith. 

She highlights how climate change disproportionately impacts women and girls, worsening gender inequalities and undermining peace efforts. 

– Integrating gender perspectives into environmental policies and recognizing women as agents of change are therefore essential for achieving gender equality and sustainable peace. 

A Living Legacy of Zaida Catalán and Future Aspirations 

The Zaida Catalán Club reflects FBA’s 1325 Scholarship goals – empowering youth to be leaders in peace processes and security efforts. Nathalie and Judith’s journey from scholarship recipients to founders of a youth-led initiative demonstrates the impact of investing in women’s leadership. 

– Zaida Catalán was a dedicated peacebuilder and advocate for women’s rights. We continually draw inspiration from her courage, compassion, and commitment in our work to mobilize and inspire more young women to pursue peace and gender equality, says Nathalie. 

Looking ahead, the Zaida Catalán Club plans to expand its reach by creating peace clubs in schools and universities across Goma and Bukavu. These clubs will engage young people in discussions and actions around peace, security, and climate justice, ensuring that their impact continues to grow. Nathalie and Judith envision the club becoming a leading youth-led organization in the DRC and beyond, focused on peacebuilding, climate justice, and the empowerment of youth and women. 

The Zaida Catalán scholarship, in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, was established by FBA in 2020 on behalf of the Swedish government. It targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their careers and with a confirmed strong dedication to the women, peace and security agenda. 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. Read more about the 1325 scholarship for 2024.