Article: Women’s rights in the DRC in the spotlight at a conference marking 20 years since the adoption of the African Charter
On July 11, the Ministry of Gender of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) organized in collaboration with the NGO IPAS a conference to celebrate 20 years of the adoption and domestication of the African Charter of Human Rights. of Man and Peoples, specifically relating to the rights of women. This event brought together various speakers and participants, who discussed the impact of this legal instrument in the DRC and the future prospects in this area.
During his speech, Jean-Claude Mulunda, Country Director of IPAS, stressed the fundamental importance of women’s rights as inalienable human rights. He listed several of these rights, such as the right to live free from violence, the right to an education, the right to own property and to make decisions about one’s own body. Mr. Mulunda stressed that despite the persistent challenges to equality and the enjoyment of rights in the DRC, it was essential to continue efforts to reduce inequalities and provide the same opportunities for girls and boys from birth.
Benoît-Pierre Laramée, Canada’s Ambassador to the DRC, spoke in favor of the full implementation of this protocol, saying it would improve the situation of Congolese women and girls. He called on the DRC government to honor its commitment in this regard.
Minister Antoinette Kipulu, in charge of vocational training in the DRC, praised the efforts of all the partners involved in the promotion of women’s rights. She cited some significant achievements, including full equality between boys and girls in primary education, as well as the current representation of women in central government, estimated at 28%. Ms. Kipulu also highlighted the commitment of the President of the DRC to women’s rights, which earned him the title of Champion of Masculinity during his tenure at the head of the African Union.
The conference was organized in several panels, addressing various aspects related to women’s rights in the DRC. A first panel highlighted the commitment of men in the promotion of these rights, with the participation of certain ministers and government representatives. A second panel looked at politics and women’s leadership over the past 20 years. Finally, a third panel explored the prospects and next steps to guarantee the full enjoyment of women’s rights in the DRC.
This conference made it possible to highlight the importance of women’s rights as inalienable human rights and to continue efforts to guarantee their full enjoyment in the DRC.. There are still challenges to be met, but the commitment of the various actors present at this conference suggests encouraging prospects for the future of Congolese women