Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF)™’s Post

Globally, women and girls continue to face significant barriers to realizing their full human rights. These challenges—ranging from gender-based violence to unequal access to opportunities—are particularly pronounced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where systemic inequalities, conflict, and deeply ingrained cultural norms perpetuate discrimination. A key factor in addressing these issues lies in transforming societal mindsets, particularly regarding the roles of men and women. In many contexts, including the DRC, traditional beliefs about male dominance often limit women’s freedom and reinforce cycles of inequality. Change requires open dialogue and collective reflection to redefine these norms and foster partnerships built on mutual respect and equality. As Malala Yousafzai reminds us: ‘We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.’ Empowering women is not just about their rights—it’s about creating stronger, more equitable communities. Achieving this vision will require leadership, accountability, and a shared commitment to a more inclusive future.

As a learner of the English language and a healthcare interpreter, I believe it is essential to approach each situation with care and respect for the humanity involved. Cases of violence against women and child abuse continue to rise every day, and as interpreters, we play a crucial role in ensuring clear and compassionate communication in these sensitive situations. By staying neutral, we help create a warm and supportive environment, while ensuring efficient communication between doctors, mediators, and patients. Here are some key reasons why neutrality is essential in healthcare interpretation: 🔹 Builds Trust in the Process Patients perceive interpreters as impartial professionals, helping them trust the healthcare or legal system and feel safe sharing sensitive information. 🔹 Creates a Safe Environment A neutral interpreter avoids emotional or personal interventions that could make the patient feel judged, helping to create a respectful and safe space. 🔹 Protects the Patient's Rights Neutrality ensures that the interpreter is a bridge, not a barrier, to the patient’s access to services, protecting their rights throughout the process. 🔹 Respects the Patient's Autonomy By maintaining neutrality, interpreters respect the patient's ability to make informed decisions without influencing their words or actions. In such critical moments, the role of the interpreter goes beyond words. It’s about fostering understanding, empathy, and ensuring the patient’s rights are upheld. #Healthcare #Interpreter #Neutrality #PatientRights #Communication #HumanityInHealthcare

All girls and women must be able to exercise their full human rights without fear of violence or persecution. Governments must invest in preventing gender-based violence, enforce laws, and end impunity. Each of us can also make a difference by speaking out against violence, calling out harassment, challenging stereotypes, advocating for stronger laws and more. UN Women works to create a world where women and girls can live free from fear. See how: https://lnkd.in/gr6KBWk

Today, I want to share something: no woman or girl should ever live in fear. The UN’s post is a reminder of a truth we all need to act on: all girls and women must be able to exercise their full human rights without violence or persecution. This isn’t abstract. It’s about the moments witnessed, the stories heard, and the realities so many face. Governments must step up—invest in preventing gender-based violence, enforce laws, and end impunity. But change doesn’t just rest on leaders. It’s on all of us. Speak out when you see violence. Call out harassment. Challenge harmful stereotypes. Advocate for laws that protect women and girls. This is a necessity. #HumanRights #EndViolence

Also to have freedom as a human right.

Agreed. However this should be a basic human right for all people who go out into the world each and every day. The queer community and people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups face similar challenges. We need to work together to challenge the system and create safer work environments and communities and living areas. The challenge is real. #Respect #HumanRights #PsychologicalSafety #PersonalSafety #SafeSpaces

#WomenAndGirlsRights #Genderequality ✍🏾#SDG5 From ending poverty and hunger to promoting health, education, and economic growth, advocating for the rights of women and girls accelerates progress on every front. ✍🏾supporting the rights of women and girls is about creating an equitable, healthier, and more prosperous world for everyone. When women thrive, communities and societies benefit at every level.

We can all make a difference by speaking out against violence and challenging harmful stereotypes. It’s crucial that we inform ourselves on this issue—understanding the problem is the first step to creating change.🚺 #EndGenderViolence #HumanRights #AwarenessMatters

We all seem to know that violence is a serious human rights issue with far-reaching consequences. “Violence” agains women and girls in Bulgaria (as well as its little siblings “harassement” and “abuse”) are quite often main topic on the national news. In an alarming number of cases these are caused by intimate partners, close family members or local communities (as part of their tradition and cultural practices). To address this, we need a mix of strong laws, effective implementation of the existing legal requirements, education, and on the ground collective actions.