From Cincinnati to Kinshasa: UC Researcher’s Work Honoring Congolese Women Recognized at JIFA2026

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For years, University of Cincinnati doctoral student Marie-Rose Tshite (pictured, right) has researched the contributions of Congolese women who helped shape the country’s peace process. Her research culminated in Stele de la Paix, a monument honoring Congolese women who participated in the Inter-Congolese Dialogue.

The monument was unveiled during JIFA2026 (Journée Internationale de la Femme Africaine), celebrating the International Day of the African Woman at the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The event brought together hundreds of people and was attended by DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka (pictued, below).

The Prime Minister unveiled the Stele de la Paix, watched two documentaries directed by Tshite, and presented certificates of recognition to the women of Sun City who were involved in the process.

For Tshite, the moment represented years of work.

During her master’s research, Tshite identified and verified the names of Congolese women who participated in the Inter-Congolese Dialogue. She continues to build on that work for her doctoral dissertation, using documentary filmmaking as a research practice to document the experiences of women involved in the peace processes and bring their stories to broader audiences.

Her two documentaries grew directly from that research. The first examines how Congolese women organized for peace and advocated for parity in the country's constitution. The second explores the current state of gender parity in the DRC.

The recognition at JIFA2026 was particularly meaningful because the women honored had been asking for acknowledgment of their contributions for many years.

“It was a moving day for them, and for me, watching my own work come to life from Cincinnati over Zoom on the 6th of August was unbelievable.” Tshite said.

The event also reflects the broader impact of Tshite’s studies and the ways documentary filmmaking can broaden research impact. Tshite’s interview with the Prime Minister will be included in a documentary, an upcoming podcast, and a paper.

For Tshite, the events in Kinshasa offer a powerful reminder of why documenting overlooked stories matters and how research developed over years can ultimately reach far beyond the university.