Carrying the voices of African women in the DRC: the battle of women for the respect of abortion in the Maputo Protocol
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are fighting for the right to freely dispose of their bodies. Despite the entry into force of the Maputo Protocol in 2018, which provides for certain cases of medicalized voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion), abortion remains criminally punishable up to 10 years in prison in the country. Faced with this situation, women’s voices are rising in Kinshasa to demand respect for this protocol, and even its extension.
The question of abortion is complex in the DRC, due to the Christian predominance and traditional values that weigh on Congolese society. However, Congolese women are fighting to have their rights respected and to have the choice to decide what is best for their bodies and their lives. They demand that abortion be authorized in a wider range of situations, beyond the cases provided for by the Maputo Protocol.
Through demonstrations, awareness-raising actions and advocacy with political decision-makers, these women activists highlight the harmful consequences of the ban on abortion. They highlight the risks incurred by women in situations of unwanted pregnancy, including physical and mental health, as well as the consequences for society as a whole.
Congolese women also demand the establishment of quality reproductive health services, offering easy and safe access to abortion. They emphasize the importance of the role of health professionals in this process, emphasizing the need to train medical personnel to guarantee appropriate care that respects women’s rights.
The battle of Congolese women for the respect of abortion in the Maputo Protocol is a fight for the autonomy, dignity and freedom of women. They are mobilizing so that laws and policies take into account their rights and their needs in terms of reproductive health.
It is essential that these female voices be heard and that concrete measures be taken to guarantee respect for abortion in the DRC. The recognition and protection of women’s rights are key elements in promoting gender equality and the country’s sustainable development.
As a society, it is essential to support these women in their fight for reproductive justice and to work together to create an environment respectful of women’s rights and conducive to their development. Only by empowering Congolese women to decide over their own bodies can we build a more equal and just society.
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