Women are taking the reins of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the provinces of former Bandundu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Three women were appointed to the positions of provincial executive secretaries, replacing three men, in an appointment made on Friday, September 22.
Georgine Vandam has been appointed head of the CENI in the province of Kwilu, Bibi Makabu will head Kwango, and Régine Biongo will take charge of the province of Maï-Ndombe.
This appointment was welcomed by the Provincial Coordination of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) of Kwilu as an example of promotion of women to decision-making positions. Émilienne Owele, provincial coordinator of the Kwilu CNDH, expressed her expectations for these nominated women, stressing the importance of their impartiality, honesty and transparency to successfully complete the electoral process in their respective provinces.
“This CENI initiative is an example to follow. The women promoted to the CENI are women leaders. We expect from them impartiality, honesty and dynamism in the way they work. They have been appointed based on their skills,” said Émilienne Owele.
These appointments are a sign that the fight for the promotion of women’s rights is gaining momentum. With elections looming, it is essential to see women in leadership positions at all levels. This will help change the way decisions are made and promote gender equality in Congolese society.
The provincial executive secretaries replaced were men, namely Jean-Robert Muyense in Kwilu, Faustin Ngokumu in Maï-Ndombe and Didas Niau Niau in Kwango.
This new step towards gender equality and the participation of women in decision-making is encouraging. Let us hope that these women leaders will demonstrate competence and determination in the exercise of their functions, thus contributing to strengthening democracy and representativeness in the DRC.