As part of its Empower’Her program, focused on women’s empowerment, Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) is introducing family planning services in its hospitals in Lokutu and Lokumete (Tshopo), Yaligimba (Mongala), and Boteka (Equateur).
These services aim to improve access to reproductive healthcare, reduce unintended pregnancies, and enhance maternal health. Beyond the medical benefits, they also support the empowerment of women in rural areas near PHC’s operational sites, enabling them to better plan their lives and fully participate in the economic and social life of their communities.
To ensure the successful launch of this initiative, a specialized training program in maternal healthcare is being provided to PHC hospital clinical staff from July 31 to August 14, 2025, in Lokutu. The training is organized with technical support from DKT DR Congo, an NGO specializing in reproductive health and family planning, and the National Reproductive Health Program (PNSR).
This training session is designed to strengthen the technical skills of healthcare providers for improved patient care. It covers both natural and modern contraceptive methods, their indications, and emphasizes a patient-centered approach: comprehensive and balanced information, active listening, and respect for free, voluntary, and informed consent.
According to Michèle Kimpwene, Women’s Empowerment Lead at PHC: “The introduction of family planning services in our hospitals, combined with this technical training, represents a major step forward in improving women’s access to reproductive healthcare. By enhancing the skills of clinical providers, we empower women with reliable information, enabling them to make informed choices and take control of their health. This is a crucial step toward their full personal and socio-economic empowerment.”
These actions are fully aligned with the vision of PHC’s Empower’Her program. This initiative is built on three key pillars: combating gender-based violence, increasing the representation of women within the company, and supporting women’s empowerment through income-generating activities and access to essential maternal and reproductive health services.
