From 2018 to 2024, The Carter Center implemented the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with support from Global Affairs Canada under Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. In a context marked by persistent poverty, conflict, and entrenched gender inequalities, the project aimed to strengthen the voice, leadership, and rights of women and girls.

DROPSTONE was selected as the independent evaluator to assess the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, while identifying lessons learned to inform possible future phases of the initiative.

Implemented across six provinces, the project focused on strengthening local Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) as key actors in advancing gender equality. Ten partner WROs received sustained, multi-year support to reinforce their institutional capacities and advocacy work. In parallel, 52 additional organizations received short-term funding for innovative initiatives addressing emerging challenges affecting women and girls.

The evaluation combined a review of project documentation with consultations involving a broad range of stakeholders, including WRO partners, project staff, government representatives, traditional leaders, women beneficiaries, and community members. A field mission to Kinshasa and Kananga in August 2024 enabled direct engagement with local actors and provided valuable insight into the project’s achievements and impact.

The evaluation highlights the project’s contributions to strengthening women’s rights organizations and advancing gender equality, while offering practical recommendations to guide future collaboration between The Carter Center and Global Affairs Canada.