**”Femmes Restaurateurs de Kinshasa: Pioneers of Female Empowerment”**
In the heart of Kinshasa, the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an inspiring initiative has emerged to give women the tools they need to take charge of their destiny. Seventy women, working in the often overlooked sector of makeshift restaurants, participated in a six-month training course, also known as “Malewa”, in the commune of Barumbu. This training, initiated by Neneth Masangi, immersed them in an intensive program covering essential areas such as food hygiene, financial management, culinary arts and communication skills.
These women, now proudly called “restaurateurs”, received certificates marking the end of this first stage of their journey. More than just a recognition of their efforts, these certificates symbolize a crucial step towards the formalization of their activities. This is a first step on the path to their empowerment and economic emancipation.
During the certificate ceremony, Nathalie-Aziza Munana, Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity, praised this initiative as a real vector for promoting the empowerment of women in the DRC. She stressed the importance of self-confidence, vision and determination among Congolese women, essential qualities for breaking down barriers and achieving personal and professional fulfillment.
This training, supported by the non-profit organization “Actions for Sustainable Development” (APLDD) with the support of Brussels Capital and the municipality of Barumbu, is part of the ambitious two-year “Socio-economic Recovery of Malewa Women and Girls in Kinshasa” project. This is a significant step towards recognizing the potential of women and their essential contribution to the socio-economic dynamics of the country.
By promoting the emergence of committed and competent women entrepreneurs, this initiative marks the beginning of a profound transformation within the urban community of Kinshasa. These women restaurateurs are much more than economic actors, they are pioneers of female empowerment, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all women in the DRC.