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Cathy LatiwaAllara wears many hats. She is a consultant, lawyer and president of the Latiwa Development Foundation (a Non-Governmental Organization). She is passionate about the African women whom she defends, advises and supports daily to ensure their autonomy. Her entire life has been dedicated to serving her fellow humans, embodying a concentrated example of humanism within the essence of a woman—an intellectual powerhouse.
“Dare to shine without quitting”. These words define the character of a resolute woman. Cathy LatiwaAllara has made a name for herself within African circles. Despite her multifaceted roles, she had an ordinary childhood on the streets of Bukavu, located in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hailing from a humble background and raised by her mother (a woman who single-handedly cared for her four children), Cathy LatiwaAllara is a true product of the African educational system.
She earned her Master’s degree in International Public Law in Kinshasa, capital of the DRC. “I have worked for various prestigious law firms and participated in numerous development projects” she recounts. With affiliations in Belgium, Nigeria, Congo and Cameroon, her foundation has undertaken numerous initiatives across these countries where she resided. “Nigeria is the country that has left the greatest impact on me. It was there that I led one of the largest inclusion projects. Nigerians are known for multitasking. They value one another and believe in what they do. It is a country that allowed me to broaden my horizons” . Despite the plight of women in the Eastern part of the DRC, Cathy LatiwaAllara believes in the possibility of overcoming adversity, even in the face of rape, violence and poverty prevalent in that region. “I believe we have the right to dream, no matter the circumstances. Despite the challenges, the women of Bukavu continue to work and have hope”.
A tour of her residence in Yaoundé is akin to visiting museums across the continent. Masks, paintings and fabrics adorn the chairs arranged on her veranda, while woven mats from the Sahel cover parts of the floor. The vibrant decor and artistic exhibition offer insights into the passions of this cultured woman. Through her Latiwa Foundation, she has already impacted the lives of about 10,000 youths. “One of our remarkable accomplishments includes the construction of a school and a clinic for an orphanage in the Far North of Cameroon and Nigeria” she confides.
