A representative from a women-led organization in eastern DRC said: “Well, when USAID funding was abruptly cut, we were forced to ask some people to stay home, to stop working. Unless they wanted to come to the office from time to time to volunteer. Volunteering means you come without being paid.”

Date: 12/25

Region: Africa

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Topic: Refugees & Displacement, Economy & Livelihoods

Policy Lens: Security & Resilience

Entry Type: Field Observation

Additional Context: Though many local organizations have faced significant losses to budgets due to foreign assistance cuts, many continue to provide services. This work has meant that jobs that once were well-paid have turned into unpaid volunteer roles.

This report from the Women's Refugee Commission examines the dual shocks of renewed conflict and funding withdrawal in eastern DRC. The researchers reviewed publicly available secondary resources, and conducted fieldwork in August 2025. They interviewed eight women-led organizations and ten internally displaced women in North and South Kivu.

Source: Women's Refugee Commission