Bonobos live in a matriarchal society, and live in peace and harmony. BCI recognizes the symbolic and practical significance of this and incorporates gender and women's issues into our programs. Albert Lokasola, who directs BCI's programs in Kokolopori, said it best:

"The women are the mothers of the nation. They take charge of the families. When the capacity of women are reinforced, the capacity of the family is reinforced and one may say that when the families' capacities are reinforced then the nation is strengthened."

BCI is developing a number of projects to reinforce women's capacities and to make them full partners in our programs. We have provided equipment and training and promote an important role for women.

BCI has identified a number of enterprise and micro-credit projects that will benefit women and help support the community at large, including salted fish, couture and soap making. Soap making is very important as the people often can simply not afford soap, or there is limited access to markets. Cleanliness is an important health issue in forest communities where bacteria and fungus thrive and can have serious, even life-threatening impacts. So the ability to make soap not only provides income opprtunities, but improves health in the community.

We have also provided non-electric sewing machines and couture training to the Women's Association of Kokolopori and the Association of Rural Women of Djolu Territory. Our ultimate goal is to assist in expanding local markets and utilizing grant funds to purchase uniforms from local women, thereby doubling a grant's benefit. We are currently seeking support to expand and replicate these programs in Lac Tumba, Lonua and other areas.

BCI is also providing organizational and management training to women, who often have not had the same educational opportunities as men.

Sue Ann Taylor, BCI Board Member and founder of the Quilter's News Network has helped kick off "The Congo Women's Project" which will provide equipment and training to women throughout the Congo to make quilts. These quilts will then be sold worldwide in cooperation with The Quilters Association. Through the Quilters News Network, quilters from around the world are committing funds and partnership support to make this happen.

Please help us continue these important programs by making a donation.

To learn more about BCI, go to www.bonobo.org.