Title: For an inclusive education in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Girls victims of social constraints
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), inclusive education remains a major challenge. While the participation rates for the 2nd round exams have seen a slight increase of 6.4% in 2023, gender inequality persists, with only 44.8% of girls having taken part in the essay tests in the educational province of Kwilu 1 against 55.1% of boys. Social constraints such as early marriage and the cultural predominance granting property to boys in several households complicate the schooling of girls.
According to the provincial chief inspector Jean-Pierre Kasonga, the low participation of girls is explained by the rural context of the region, characterized by a strong adherence to traditions and customs, in particular early marriage and male property. This requires the mobilization of political and community actors to promote access to education for girls.
It is therefore imperative that the entire community, administrative authorities, teaching staff, parents, local and national executives be mobilized to raise awareness and fight against these social constraints which constitute barriers to access to inclusive education in the DRC.
Innovative solutions for quality education for all children are needed to end school exclusion. Citizen participation, the establishment of adapted school infrastructures and appropriate educational tools are all avenues to explore to guarantee inclusive education for all in the DRC.