At the moment, the news is marked by many events and initiatives aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Congo (A.FE.E.CO) and UN Women have joined forces to organize a CSR/WEPs Forum and Expo. This forum, which opened on Thursday August 10 at the Rotana Hotel, will conclude today with the nomination of companies that practice the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as well as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). .
During this second day of the forum, several renowned experts and panelists are expected. Among them are personalities such as Mrs. Edwine ENDUNDO, Managing Director of Vlisco RDC, Mrs. Marie Chantal Kaninda, Managing Director of Glencore, Mrs. Betty ATUNDU, Managing Director of BA Consulting, Mrs. Samirah MALANDA, Managing Director of GIE Global Business, Mrs. Virginie SEKIELE, CFAO Health and CSR Manager, Ms Benie Laure KAMWIZIKU, Deputy Anti-Corruption Coordinator, and Mr Jules ALINGETE from the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF). These experts will engage in discussions and debates on women’s empowerment in business, corporate social responsibility and good gender practices.
AFEECO, organizer of this event, stressed the importance of training on WEPs and CSR for women entrepreneurs. The WEPs, Women’s Empowerment Principles, include measures such as promoting gender equality in business, respecting human rights and non-discrimination, and establishing practices to empower women in business development. These principles are an important step towards gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
UN Women, partner of the event, welcomed the organization of this forum and underlined the importance of WEPs in the empowerment of women. He also underlined that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a key driver of employment in all sectors of the economy, thus helping to reduce economic and social inequalities and providing new economic opportunities for women and young people. .
The Minister of Gender, Ms. Mireille Masangu, reaffirmed the Congolese government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through the Support Project for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PADMPME). This project aims to foster the growth of MSMEs and stimulate entrepreneurship and employment for young people and women in different cities of the country.
On the sidelines of this forum, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, proceeded to the baptism of the first directory of women entrepreneurs in Kinshasa. This initiative aims to highlight and promote women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the Congolese economy.
In conclusion, this CSR/WEPs Forum and Expo in the DRC highlights the importance of women’s empowerment and corporate social responsibility in the entrepreneurial sector. It highlights good practices and recognizes companies that are committed to gender equality