Project overview 

Les Kombattantes is a rehabilitation and empowerment programme designed to support women survivors of sexual violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a region affected by prolonged conflict and widespread gender-based violence, the project offers a holistic approach combining sport practice, medical support and psychosocial care. 
 
Through karate and football, participants rebuild physical strength, reconnect with their bodies and regain self-confidence. The programme supports a progressive reintegration process, enabling women to reclaim agency, rebuild dignity and re-engage with their communities. 

Project objectives 

Support physical and psychological recovery of women survivors of sexual violence. 
Help participants regain confidence, autonomy and control over their bodies. 
Facilitate social reintegration and restoration of dignity through collective sport practice. 
Enable participants to become ambassadors and transmit the Fight For Dignity methodology within their communities. 

Sport and psychosocial component 

Weekly karate and football sessions adapted to trauma-informed practices. 
Safe spaces for physical activity and emotional expression. 
Use of sport to foster resilience, discipline and mutual support. 

Medical and social support 

Access to medical follow-up and psychological support in partnership with the Panzi Foundation. 
Social assistance and counselling to support reintegration pathways. 
Accompaniment of women in sharing the methodology with other community members. 

Target beneficiaries 

Direct beneficiaries: women and young women survivors of sexual violence. 
Indirect beneficiaries: families, community members and local support structures. 

Scale and expected impact 

Improved physical and mental well-being of participating women. 
Increased self-confidence and social inclusion. 
Strengthened community awareness on gender-based violence recovery. 
Empowerment of women as local role models and trainers.