The First Sub-Regional Forum of Indigenous Women and Local Communities of Central Africa and the Congo Basin took place in Brazzaville, Congo, from May 8 to May 12, 2023. This landmark event was held at the Grand Lancaster Hotel and was organized by the Network of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for the Sustainable Management of Central African Forest Ecosystems (REPALEAC) in collaboration with its partners.
The forum served as a significant platform for indigenous women and local communities in the region to gather, share experiences, and discuss the pressing challenges they face in relation to conservation, rights, and resilience. By bringing together a diverse range of participants, including indigenous women leaders, community representatives, policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and funder organizations, the event aimed to foster dialogue, promote collaboration, and strengthen the voices and agency of indigenous women and local communities in shaping sustainable and inclusive strategies for the future.
As the forum sets a crucial precedent in the journey towards more inclusive and sustainable development, it is hoped that the outcomes and recommendations generated will guide future policies, initiatives, and collaborations, placing indigenous women and local communities at the center of efforts to ensure the conservation of natural resources, respect for human rights, and climate resilience in the Central African region and beyond. Check Out More