Source: MONUSCO
As part of the International Women's Day commemoration on 8 March, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry for Gender, Family and Children, in partnership with the United Nations System, is planning to organize the fourth Women Entrepreneurship Fair around the theme: "Let Us Invest in Rural Women and Young Girls for a Brighter Future".

The fair will be opened to the public between 5 and 15 March 2012.Speakers, artists and rapporteurs participating in the commemoration will seek, not only to showcase women's work, but also to sensitize decision makers on women's contributions to society. The fair will also serve as a springboard for the sale of various goods produced by women with a view to stimulating their creativity and productivity.

Since 2008, more than 20 000 people have participated directly or indirectly in this annual event as exhibitors, partners or visitors. A prize is awarded each year to the best achievers in their respective area of activities. The fair offers a unique opportunity to all the civil society components, starting with the government, the local officials, women in the rural and urban areas, through young girls and boys, artists and academics, to participate in the different ceremonies through forums of discussion. This fair contributes to women's social and economic development and, enables them to invest their full potential in their activities.

The long-term objective of the fair is to create a forum for women's capacity-building in the key areas of the country's social and economic activities, including education, health, social and economic rehabilitation, peace and national reconstruction. The activities for this year's commemoration will take place in the premises of the Ministry of Gender, Women and Children. Just as in previous years, the International Women's Day will also be organized in the rest of the provinces throughout the country.

• DRC