The bill aiming to set the sum of the dowry at $500 as well as the engagement period is causing debate in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The young women interviewed by the Actualité.cd Women’s desk shared their points of view.
Charlotte Magana, a university-educated entrepreneur, explains that $500 is an insufficient amount for a dowry, which should instead be set at around $1,500. According to her, parents invest in the education of their children so that they can have a better future and be competent in the future. To demand such a modest sum would not be fair.
Jeannette Omoyi, a graduate in Computer Science, suggests replacing the money with a list of goods required by the groom’s family. She thinks that most Congolese families are poor and that it is essential not to set an amount in the bill. Instead, the exchanges should be between the two families so that the groom does not feel stuck.
Winnie Sakina, nurse, also opposes the proposal of $500 for the dowry. According to her, the dowry is used to organize the customary marriage, which is an important celebration in Congolese culture. If the dowry is set at $500, it would be difficult for the groom’s parents to prepare a reception worthy of the name. She also points out that Congolese families spend a lot of money preparing for the customary wedding, including renting halls, and often invite hundreds of people.
On the other hand, Pemba Déborah, a young trader, thinks that the proposal to set the sum of the dowry at $500 is a good idea. She thinks this will encourage young people to get married earlier and reduce problems in society, such as the Kuluna and the shegues.
Emmanuella Fungula, a second-year medical student, believes that reducing the amount of the dowry from $1,500 to $500 can help reduce common-law unions in the DRC. She says young Congolese face financial difficulties getting married, but can easily raise $500 by setting up an income-generating activity.
Finally, Divine Mvuezolo, a cashier in a supermarket in Kinshasa, shares her personal experience with engagements and opposes the idea of limiting the engagement period. She points out that financial difficulties can sometimes prevent couples from getting married quickly.
In short, the proposed law on the dowry and engagement is causing debate in the DRC. The women interviewed expressed concerns about the value offered for the dowry and pointed out that the preparations for customary marriage often require significant expenditure. However, some propose that decreasing the amount of the dowry may encourage young people to marry earlier and reduce common-law unions.