In Kinshasa, a citizens' campaign is encouraging women and young people to rediscover the value of braids as a symbol of African identity and pride.
The initiative, led by the NGO Bokolisi, aims to curb the dependence on hair extensions and wigs, which has been widespread in the Congolese capital for the past few decades.
Its promoter, Claudette Simba, argues that recovering traditional hairstyles strengthens women's self-esteem and gives prominence to natural beauty as opposed to imported canons.
The project also underlines the cultural dimension of braids, considered for generations a visual language of belonging, status and creativity within African communities.
With workshops and meetings, Bokolisi encourages young women to explore their own styles, conveying the idea that fashion can also be an act of identity.
Source: acp.cd; africatoday.info