Title: The under-representation of women in legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a persistent challenge
Introduction :
Despite efforts to encourage women’s participation in legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), their rate of representation remains low. In this article, we will analyze the figures and trends that underline the persistence of the challenge of the under-representation of women in politics. We will also identify the underlying factors that contribute to this situation and highlight the importance of mobilizing political parties and civil society organizations to promote equal participation of women in legislative bodies.
The numbers speak for themselves:
According to provisional data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), of the 23,653 eligible candidates for the next legislative elections, only 3,955 (i.e. 17%) are women. These figures clearly reveal that the political participation of women is not a priority for many parties and political groupings in the DRC.
A worrying trend:
A review of past election cycles highlights the persistence of women’s under-representation. In 2006, for example, only 4 female candidates were registered out of 33 for the presidential election, ie a rate of 12%. In the National Assembly, only 44 women were elected, or 8.4%, and in the Senate, the figure rises to 5 women out of 108 senators. The Provincial Assemblies also present worrying figures, with only 43 female provincial deputies out of a total of 632 elected.
Mixed progress:
Although some progress has been observed, the trend remains mixed. In 2011, out of the 13,197 national legislative candidacies, only 1,415 were female candidates, ie a rate of 11%. The elections of December 2018 and March 2019 recorded an even lower participation, with only 1 candidate out of a total of 21 and 49 women elected to the national deputies, i.e. 11%.
Underlying factors and challenges:
This under-representation of women in politics is the result of multiple factors and challenges. Socio-cultural barriers, such as gender stereotypes and restrictive cultural norms, play a major role in limiting women’s access to political positions. In addition, economic and logistical barriers, as well as discrimination within political parties, often hinder the candidacy of women.
The importance of mobilization:
To reverse this trend and promote equitable participation of women in legislative bodies, it is essential that political parties, political groups and civil society organizations mobilize. Concrete measures, such as the establishment of gender quotas and raising awareness of the challenges of women’s political participation, must be put in place. It is crucial to create an enabling environment where women can exercise their political rights without hindrance.
Conclusion :
The persistent under-representation of women in legislative elections in the DRC is a major challenge to democracy and gender equality. It is time to take concrete action and mobilize all relevant actors to ensure equal participation of women in politics. Only in this way can the DRC truly progress towards an inclusive and egalitarian society