The deputy minister of primary, secondary and technical education of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Aminata Namasya Bazego, was at the center of a rumor spread on social networks presenting her as being pregnant. She spoke on her official Twitter account to deny this rumor and ask for respect for her privacy.
With elections scheduled for next December, she also called on politicians to focus on political debates rather than trying to smear her reputation. She pointed out that such practices harm not only her but also her colleagues who will be seen as predators.
“Beyond my official and public duties, I have a life that must be respected by all. A right guaranteed to all Congolese by our Constitution. Tarnishing my image must not be a tolerated habit,” the deputy minister tweeted.
This statement came in response to a targeted smear campaign targeting Congolese women politicians and other women in positions of power. Social media has been the scene of a series of accusations, including pregnancy claims in recent weeks.
This intervention by the Deputy Minister underlines the need for a cultural change in the DRC, where women in positions of responsibility are often the object of gender prejudice, discrimination and violence