This newsletter exclusively focuses on three countries of the sub-region: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi. We lay open the pages to organizations which have provided us with articles explaining their difficulties, their strategies and the solutions they have found to improve the living conditions of rural populations, especially those of women. The articles included here give the personal points of view of the local organizations and we have published them in full. We sincerely thank all those who have contributed to this Special Edition issue. Some broad themes are addressed: improving women’s participation in political life, the consequences of conflict, with displaced populations, food insecurity, impunity and non-respect of human rights, rape and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Examples of survival strategies used by women to sustain their families and their communities are also evoked. The governments of these three countries have committed themselves to improving the living conditions and status of women and numerous policy initiatives in line with these objectives are being undertaken at decision-making level.