The DRC experienced a historic moment when Hortense Kavuo Maliro announced her candidacy for the supreme magistracy. Founder of the Association for the Social Integration of the Physically Handicapped (AISHIP) and promoter of the We Are The World School in North Kivu, Hortense Maliro actively campaigns for female participation in the management of public affairs. Although she applied for the national legislative elections, the CENI did not proclaim her a national deputy because of her physical disability, but this did not deter her from pursuing her dream of serving the nation.
When announcing her candidacy, Hortense Maliro stressed the importance of capitalizing on all the opportunities given by the constitution in its article 72. She also encouraged the participation of all in the management of the nation, including people disabilities. “People with disabilities are involved in the elections to change the situation, so that this side of the disabled person can shine, can participate in the management of the DRC and inclusive management,” she said.
His message is a call for solidarity and inclusion that needs to be heard across the nation. As a disabled woman candidate for the highest office of the state, Hortense Maliro is an inspiration to not only people with disabilities, but to all Congolese who dream of a better future and a more just and inclusive DRC.
The candidacy of Hortense Maliro also underlines the need to diversify Congolese politics. As a woman and a person with a disability, she brings a unique perspective to the political scene, which has long been dominated by able-bodied men. Diversity is essential for a fair and balanced representation of all the voices of the nation, and the candidacy of Hortense Maliro is an important step in this direction.
We hope that Hortense Maliro’s candidacy will inspire others to come forward to serve their nation, through elections and at all levels of governance. We believe that the DRC needs more diverse and inclusive voices to build a better future for all Congolese. And when the country hears this call, it will end up being enriched with a unique and enriching vision for all