Rev Dr Marthe Kondemo — Strengthening Women’s Health, Leadership and Community Resilience in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Image credit: Ryan Carter
In 2023, Rev Dr Marthe Kondemo became the third African — and the first Congolese recipient — of the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship. The Scholarship supports emerging leaders from developing nations to gain practical training in Australia that can be applied in their home communities to create long-term, sustainable impact.
Marthe is a theologian, academic, and community leader from Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She serves as the Secretary General for Women and Families at the Church of Christ in Congo, where her leadership reaches and supports over 15 million Congolese women. Her work focuses on poverty reduction, gender justice, women’s empowerment, and community resilience.
Supported by the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney and HandUp Congo, Marthe spent three months in New South Wales learning from organisations delivering grassroots programs in women’s health, microenterprise, nutrition, education, and community development. Her training included:
Women’s health and wellbeing programs
Cooperative farming and livelihood strengthening
Microenterprise and vocational training models
Training-of-trainer adult education frameworks
Rotary engagement and community partnership development
Her aim is to replicate and adapt these models in the DRC, where many families — particularly women — face limited access to economic opportunity, health services, and educational resources.
Empowering Women: Time Spent with Marthe in Kinshasa
A Congolese proverb says: “No matter how dark the night, the dawn will always come.” Returning to the DRC always feels like stepping into a story still unfolding — one of deep resilience and unwavering hope.
During time spent with Marthe in Kinshasa, this truth was clear.
When asked what fuels her tireless leadership, Marthe answered without hesitation:
“Women are the fabric of Congo. They are the lifeblood of their families, their communities, and the nation. When women thrive, everyone thrives.”
Her belief in women’s strength is not just something she says — it guides everything she does.
At a women’s conference in Kinshasa, the room was filled with energy, connection, and shared purpose. Women carried stories of hardship, faith, and determination. A grandmother rocking her grandchild, a mother resting her hands on a well-worn Bible, women standing shoulder-to-shoulder in song and prayer — each moment reflected the enduring strength of Congolese women.
Marthe moved through the room as if among lifelong friends — listening, encouraging, lifting others up.
Her leadership does not just empower women individually — it strengthens families, rebuilds communities, and inspires a culture of possibility.
Returning Home: Impact and Leadership in Action
Since returning home, Marthe has:
Delivered leadership training to women’s groups across the DRC
Supported farming cooperatives in Matadi to improve livelihood sustainability
Shared knowledge through national women's networks
Strengthened programs aimed at addressing poverty, displacement, and community healing.
Her work continues to create a multiplier effect — training one leader at a time, who then trains many more.
Her story reflects the very purpose of the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship:
Practical learning → Local empowerment → Community transformation.
To learn more about the Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship or to make an initial application, please visit: royceabbey.com
