The place of women in Congolese politics remains a hot topic and subject of debate. As the closure of the reception and processing offices approaches, many candidates are worried about the situation of the lists within the political parties.
Some female candidates welcome their political party’s openness to parity. In the city of Tshikapa, for example, a candidate affirms that her group was able to align a good number of women. However, other female candidates report difficulties in encouraging women to run. A Kinshasa-based candidate says she had to actively mobilize other women to apply, but laments the fact that some withdrew at the crucial moment of the creation of the lists.
It also appears that some political party leaders are more inclined to favor male candidates. A candidate claims to have found that there are only 4 women out of 14 seats in her party in the Lukunga constituency in Kinshasa. According to her, party presidents favor above all people likely to bring votes, which limits the chances of competent women.
The issue of parity therefore remains a challenge for Congolese politics. Some female candidates recognize that parity could not be achieved and admit the need to select female candidates who can contribute and win seats. Some women even opted for municipal elections, believing that their chances of success were greater at this level.
It is obvious that efforts still need to be made to encourage the political participation of women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The will of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the moral authorities of the political parties is real, but the implementation of positive discrimination could be a solution to guarantee a real representation of women within political institutions.
It is also important to emphasize that parity is not only about numbers, but also about recognizing and supporting women’s skills in the political sphere. It is necessary to create an environment conducive to the emergence and development of women politicians, so that they can contribute fully to building the political future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Pending the close of applications, it remains to be hoped that the issue of parity will be treated seriously and that it will lead to the real inclusion of women in Congolese political life. Women have the right to actively participate and have their voice heard in the country’s decision-making processes