Fatshimetrie, 02 August 2024 – The types of abortions referred to in the Maputo Protocol, which are considered legitimate, raise important questions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Albert Kokolomami, Director of Programs at the Initiative for Peace and Human Rights (iPeace), emphasizes that the Maputo Protocol is not intended to promote disorder, but to protect women’s rights in situations such as pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
According to Kokolomami, it is essential to combat misconceptions surrounding the Maputo Protocol, which in reality offers significant protection for women’s rights. However, despite these provisions, the implementation of the Maputo Protocol in the DRC, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu, remains difficult due to widespread misinformation about it.
The iPeace Director emphasizes that there are strict criteria for an abortion to be authorized under the Maputo Protocol, particularly in cases of rape, an unfortunately common reality in the regions concerned. It is therefore imperative to raise greater awareness among the population about the ins and outs of this protocol, especially during the International Day of African Women celebrated on August 1.
In order to promote a better understanding of the Maputo Protocol, iPeace organized a conference at the Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL) on the theme “Maputo Protocol in the Congolese context: challenges and opportunities”. This initiative allowed for a constructive dialogue with more than 500 students, highlighting the obstacles to overcome for an effective implementation of the protocol.
In addition, iPeace also celebrated the day by organizing mass civil weddings for women engaged in small cross-border trade. This approach aims to strengthen the empowerment of women engaged in these economic activities, while encouraging solidarity and equality within society.
In conclusion, it is essential to seize the opportunities offered by the Maputo Protocol to promote women’s rights in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. Increased awareness, better implementation of legal provisions and concrete actions such as mass civil marriages are all ways to move towards a more just and equal society for all.