### Under the breath of the Holy Father: Governor Fifi Masuka and the promotion of feminine values in the DRC
January 7, 2025 remains etched in the collective memory of the province of Lualaba, with a significant meeting between Governor Fifi Masuka Saint and Pope Francis in Rome. This unprecedented occasion is not simply a meeting between a political authority and a religious leader, but it also symbolizes a high point for female representation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and within the Catholic Church.
#### One woman, one journey: The roots of commitment
Fifi Masuka is not only a governor; she is the reflection of a fight against poverty and gender inequality. Having grown up in precarious conditions, her rise to a position of power is not the result of chance, but rather the result of unwavering determination and deep social commitment. In her statements, she emphasizes that her Christian faith has been a driving force in her journey, illustrating how spirituality can be intertwined with public service and community well-being.
It is essential to connect this dynamic to a phenomenon observed within some African societies, where women leaders are beginning to redefine traditional gender paradigms. According to a UN report, women represent only 24% of seats in parliament in the DRC, but figures like Masuka are leading the way in a significant transformation in the perception of women in the political sphere.
#### The Church as a catalyst for change
The foundation of Masuka’s commitment is based on her religious values, which she places at the service of the most vulnerable. During her meeting with the Pope, she not only highlighted her role within the Pope Francis Foundation for Africa, but also spoke about her project to build and rehabilitate schools and auxiliary structures. This reminds us that the Church, far from being just a place of worship, is also an active pole in social and economic development.
Promoting feminine values and supporting the education of young girls are crucial. According to UNICEF, each additional year of education can increase a woman’s income by 10 to 20%. Masuka’s projects, focused on education, could therefore contribute to reversing the alarming statistics of female illiteracy in the DRC.
#### A holistic and sustainable approach
The governor’s initiatives go beyond simple educational interventions. Her involvement in charitable and humanitarian works demonstrates a desire to make lasting changes in society. The fight to promote the rights of women and vulnerable people remains a priority, reflecting some contemporary theories in social sciences that argue that the evolution of social norms requires collective action and the empowerment of women.
The projects addressed by Masuka must be seen in a framework where collaboration between the different actors of society — government, Church and NGOs — is essential to achieve tangible results. One of the many challenges she would face is networking resources, because despite goodwill, financial and logistical support is often limited.
#### An inspiring model for Africa
The meeting with Pope Francis also imposes a look at how African leaders can strengthen their role on the international stage. By positioning themselves as agents of social change, figures like Fifi Masuka serve as role models for other women across the continent. With more than half the population often lacking such role models, the impact of her presence in Rome is both symbolic and pragmatic.
In conclusion, Fifi Masuka’s commitment goes far beyond mere governance; it is an integration of spirituality into concrete development actions. The war against ignorance, poverty and gender inequality is far from won, but every calculated step forward, like Masuka’s, is a step towards a more enlightened future for all women and society as a whole in the DRC and beyond. Her meeting with Pope Francis is a blessing for her province and a strong message for all those who aspire to change.