**Fatshimetrie: Strengthening parity in the judicial system in the DRC**
Strengthening parity in the judicial system of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major challenge to guarantee fair and inclusive justice. A recent institutional audit study on gender equality and social inclusion revealed significant progress but also persistent challenges regarding the participation of women in the country’s different jurisdictions.
The results of this study, made public during an evaluation workshop organized by the Superior Council of the Judiciary in collaboration with the PROLA project, reveal an increase in the participation rate of women in the judiciary, going from 4% to 25 % between 2011 and 2024. These figures demonstrate a positive development but also persistent disparities between lower courts and higher courts.
Indeed, if women are the majority in peace courts and children’s courts, their presence is becoming rarer in higher courts such as the Court of Cassation, the Council of State or the High Military Court. These gaps reveal structural and cultural barriers that hinder the full participation of women in the justice system.
The American bar expert on gender and social inclusion, Fanny Mukendi, underlines the importance of moving towards true parity within Congolese judicial institutions. Although there is still a long way to go, multi-sectoral actions to raise awareness and promote gender equality are essential to close these gaps.
However, it is crucial to note that these issues go beyond the strict framework of the judiciary to encompass all spheres of Congolese society. Access to education, the deconstruction of patriarchal norms and awareness-raising among decision-makers are all essential levers to promote balanced participation of women in all instances of power.
Ultimately, strengthening parity within the judicial system in the DRC is imperative to guarantee fair and inclusive justice. The progress noted in recent years is encouraging, but it requires continued and sustained commitment from all stakeholders to guarantee real equality of opportunity and fair representation of women in the decision-making bodies of Congolese justice.