** Congolese women: pilots of change despite adversity **
On March 8, on the sidelines of International Women’s Rights Day, an exceptional event was held at the marquee of the Pullman Hôtel de Kinshasa, bringing together an audience of Congolese entrepreneurs in the heart of the 11th edition of the “Village of Women”. This forum, where initiatives, resilience and entrepreneurship intersect, was an opportunity for Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to underline the crucial importance of the female contribution to the country’s economy, while approaching the difficult context in which these women evolve.
### a difficult economic context
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces considerable security challenges, especially in the east of the country, where armed conflicts exacerbate the suffering of populations. However, this dark painting should not obscure the significant advances made by women, who, despite the perils and uncertainty, invest their energy in entrepreneurship. Judith Suminwa did not fail to indicate it: “Coming here, I want to show that, in the DRC, women get up and show resilience. »»
A recent study by the World Bank has revealed that Congolese women represent around 50% of the labor force in the informal sector, where they often occupy key roles in trade and agricultural production. This dynamic not only highlights female activism, but also the need to improve their access to financial resources and adequate training to help them formalize their activity. Initiatives like that of the “Village of Women” seem to be in line with this imperative, offering a platform to enhance their skills and energize their projects.
### Pilots of change and sustainable development
The dynamism of Congolese entrepreneurs is also a potential lever for the economic transformation of the country. By integrating sustainable commercial practices, these women contribute to the development of a sector which, historically, has been neglected. According to an UNDP report, companies led by women tend to adopt more sustainable approaches than their male counterparts. It is therefore crucial to catalyze this dynamic by investing in training and mentoring programs which promote the economic empowerment of women.
The Prime Minister also addressed the specific struggles that women face, ranging from violence to socio-economic injustice. The support promised by the government, through the establishment of a normative framework favorable to female entrepreneurship, is a step in the right direction. But it is not enough; A concerted action is necessary to deal with systemic obstacles that hinder full female potential.
### Reflection on the real transition
What is even more intriguing is to think about how these initiatives are part of a larger strategy for rehabilitation of the regions in the grip of violence. Historically, peace and economic development go hand in hand. By supporting women, we are not only working to strengthen the local economy, but also to co -construct a more equitable and stable society. Women, when placed at the heart of economic dynamics, can also play a formidable role in peacebuilding.
### An alliance between the private and the public
The success of this transition will require a solid partnership between the public sector and the private sector. Companies must be encouraged to invest in social responsibility programs that target the empowerment of women. Initiatives such as microcredit, often accessible to women, must be reinforced, not only in terms of financing, but also in matters of financial education.
In addition, the integration of digital technologies in these initiatives could transform how women manage their small business, accessing new markets and expanding their distribution networks. In this regard, digital training could play a crucial role in their autonomy.
### Conclusion
International Women’s Rights Day should not be a simple opportunity for celebration, but rather a call for action. Congolese women, as a pillars of the company, deserve unconditional support to carry out their entrepreneurial potential. Judith Suminwa laid the groundwork for a necessary discourse. It now remains to transform promises into reality and to make the DRC a model of female empowerment across the African continent.
In the end, the issues are clear. By supporting women, the future of the DRC is preserved, a lasting economy built on solid fundamentals, where each voice counts and each initiative can transform the socio-economic landscape. It is a trip which begins with the valuation of female entrepreneurship and which must continue tirelessly until the realization of a future where each woman holds the reins of her own destiny.