Denis Mukwege, a renowned women’s rights advocate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality during a recent meeting with his supporters. In a passionate speech, he underlined the importance of this fight in a society where women are often marginalized and excluded from spheres of responsibility and leadership.
Mukwege, known for his fight for survivors of sexual violence, said: “The fight for women’s rights is essential in our society where women are often relegated to the last place in decision-making and public management. We must ensure that women have equal access to opportunities and responsibilities.”
He also insisted on the importance of equal pay and recognition of women’s skills in all areas. “With equal skills, men and women must benefit from the same treatment and the same remuneration. It is time to put an end to discrimination based on gender,” he added.
These statements come in a tense political context, as Denis Mukwege prepares to run in the December presidential election in the DRC. They also echoed comments from outgoing President Félix Tshisekedi, who recently raised concerns about foreign influence and the introduction of foreign concepts related to gender.
In response to this, Mukwege clarified his position, saying that it is not about introducing “foreign concepts”, but rather about promoting equality and respect for women’s rights, which are universal values. He stressed the importance of combating gender stereotypes and creating an environment where women are valued and can fully contribute to the development of society.
In conclusion, Denis Mukwege’s speech highlights his unwavering commitment to gender equality in the DRC. As he prepares to enter the presidential race, he loudly asserts that women’s rights must not be relegated to the background and that their active participation is essential to building a more just and equitable society.