Redefining Progress DRC

Redefining Progress DRC is a resource for people who are concerned about the sustainable economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The website provides a brief overview of the DRC, statistical information about the economy, and list of current organizations investing in development projects through community-base microfinance.

Redefining Progress DRC promotes women's empowerment and long-term sustainable economic development by connecting donors and social entrepreneurs in the West with existing organizations currently working with entrepreneurs in the DRC through microcredit loans.

Despite the country's potential massive natural resources-it is one of the poorest countries in the world, a consequence of decades of mismanagement, corruption and a decade-long war. A succession of governments have failed to transfer benefits of the country's mining industry to the population. Coupled with a weak democracy and almost non-existent judicial system, there is no recourse for the population.

Women are especially vulnerable to the country's poor governance due to widespread discrimination against them based on cultural norms, roles of women in society, and discriminatory legislations. Women have limited property rights, education, and financial services and yet they have the burden of providing for their families, especially in rural areas. As a result women often work in the informal sector with very limited access to capital. 

As many as 84% of women in the DRC work in the informal sector; they manage against the odds to generate incomes to support their families. Organizations such as Women For Women International and Hope International provide small but vital loans for women to create sustainable ways of generating incomes. Microcredit loans can help entrepreneurial women start and grow their small businesses.

The success of women in turn guarantees the education of young girls and success for future generations.