Open mapping is a powerful tool for inclusion, yet women remain underrepresented—particularly in Central Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, our community has committed to addressing gender imbalance by embedding gender-sensitive approaches into participatory mapping projects.

This talk highlights our concrete efforts to promote women's participation: women-focused training workshops, mentorship programs, and campaigns that map issues like reproductive health, safety, and access to essential services. We will share key lessons learned from working within cultural and social constraints, as well as strategies for creating inclusive environments, including university-based outreach, peer support networks, and leadership development.

We will also present measurable results: a growing number of active female mappers, the emergence of women leaders in our local OSM networks, and the positive impact on data quality and diversity. The session concludes with actionable recommendations for other African mapping communities aiming to improve gender balance and community resilience.