Julienne Lusenge, a prominent Congolese human rights
advocate, has earned widespread recognition for her relentless efforts in
championing the cause of survivors of wartime sexual violence. She is the co-founder
and President of Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development and serves
as the director of the Congolese Women's Fund.
Her impactful work has been acknowledged on numerous
occasions. Notably, in 2018, Lusenge was honored with the prestigious
International Women's Rights Award by a coalition of 25 human rights organizations
during the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. Her acceptance of the
award at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva underscored her unwavering
commitment to the rights of Congolese women amidst the ravages of conflict.
Additionally, Lusenge was selected as a recipient of the
Ginetta Sagan Fund, which annually bestows a $20,000 grant to exceptional women
who are effecting positive change globally. This recognition provided her with
a platform to tour the United States, sharing her inspiring narrative of
combating human rights abuses.
Her accolades extend further, including the Human Rights
Award from the Embassy of France in 2012 and being appointed a Knight of the
Legion of Honour by the French government in 2013. Moreover, in 2021, Lusenge
was honored with the esteemed Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity.
Notably, in 2023, Lusenge's remarkable contributions were
once again highlighted as she was named among the recipients of the United
Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights, further solidifying her position
among Africa's most influential change-makers.
