Famous women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in the spotlight thanks to the First Lady, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, and her “Congo au femme” project. As part of this project, the first volume of the book “Legends of Congo” was presented during an official ceremony at the city of the African Union (AU). This 161-page book highlights the women who have marked the history of the DRC through stories and images.
Marie-Antoinette Mobutu, the duo Angebi and Kanzaku, Micheline Sasa, Elisabeth Mweya Tol’Ande, Françoise De Meyer, Catherine Nzuzi wa Mbombo, Friederike Liyolo and Marie-Eugénie Mpongo are the first women honored in this book. Their accomplishments and unique contributions to different fields are narrated with admiration and respect.
The book presentation ceremony was marked by the presence of the Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, and other members of the government. The First Lady expressed her gratitude to these exceptional women for their role in writing the country’s history. She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the rights and role of Congolese women.
The project “Congo for women” aims to restore their full place to these women in the historical narrative of the DRC. It includes not only the book “Legends of the Congo”, but also documentaries that highlight their stories and their achievements.
In presenting the book to the Head of Government, the First Lady stressed that it should not be sold, but rather widely distributed so that the general public can discover and celebrate these remarkable women.
The government, represented by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Catherine Kathungu Furaha, is committed to supporting this project which celebrates Congolese women and highlights their contribution to history and society.
The “Congo au femme” project is an important step towards recognizing and appreciating the crucial role of women in the country’s history. It helps to publicize their achievements and inspire future generations.
Thanks to the initiative of the First Lady and the collaboration of the government, these legendary women of the DRC are finally celebrated and honored at their true value. The book “Legends of the Congo” is the starting point of an exciting journey to discover the little-known story of these exceptional women.