Cuso International
Richine Masengo, Country Representative
Being a SheDecides champion gives me a unique opportunity to continue to amplify the voices of women and young people on access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. My track record, rewarded by initiatives such as the Human Rights Tulip award, is testament to my commitment to promoting these rights. Through my actions, such as the publication of the Maputo Protocol in the official gazette and the creation of santesexuelle.cd, I am determined to continue working to ensure that every woman can exercise her right to decide freely about her body in complete safety.
Laura Lortie-Maurel
Progamme Adviser, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion / International Programmes
Cuso International is committed to working alongside the most vulnerable, particularly women and girls, to promote bodily autonomy. This means defending women's right to control their bodies freely and to access reproductive health services, including safe abortion, without judgement or obstacles. This commitment aims to break taboos and fight discrimination while advocating inclusive policies. It is a fight for dignity, equality, and social justice.
How we are working so SheDecides
We believe that bodily autonomy is essential to the economic emancipation of women and girls. For this success to be complete, they must have full access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. Through our partnership with MSI_RDC as part of the Talents Pluriels project, we are ensuring that these rights are respected, by aligning our actions with the SheDecides values for a future where every woman has full control over her body.
Tatents Pluriels Project
The Talents Pluriels project aims to improve the employability and entrepreneurship of vulnerable young people in the DRC, particularly women, girls, and minorities. As well as strengthening vocational skills, it places particular emphasis on bodily autonomy and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Working with partners such as MSI_RDC, the project aligns with SheDecides' values by defending reproductive health rights, including access to safe abortion, while creating inclusive and equitable environments for the social and economic development of young people.
Read MoreAbout Cuso International
We are an international cooperation and development organisation that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalised groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.
