** DRC: The Word of Women, between reality and illusions **
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the figures collide, revealing a complex and nuanced picture of the reality of women’s rights within marriage. A survey carried out by the National Statistics Institute (INS) indicates that almost half of the married women in the DRC participate in the making of domestic decisions. However, this statement is not unanimous and raises a vibrating debate in Lubumbashi, the second largest city in the country. Here, women share their stories, which contrast with official data, opening the door to a deeper reflection on the female condition and social progress.
### Figures to reality: an alarming disparity
48 % of women, according to INS, take part in at least three types of decisions within their household, especially in terms of health, household purchases and family visits. At first glance, this figure could be perceived as a significant advance for women’s rights in a society where patriarchal traditions still dominate widely. However, a more in -depth examination reveals a much more complex dynamic.
Voices like those of Miriam and Charlotte, who confirm that the final decision remains in the hands of man, invite to question the veracity of this data. Their testimonies underline the gap between theory and practice, between the figures provided by the institutions and the daily life of women. The deeply anchored character of social norms and traditional customs seems to darken these advances.
### Empowerment or illusion of participation?
Lawyer Sylvie Nkolomoni, who works with many women in Lubumbashi, adds an essential dimension to the debate. By declaring that, among the ten women she met, none felt recognized as a partner in decision -making, she exposes a disturbing reality: the formal rights granted to women do not always translate into changes in their daily experience.
This gap between the perception of advances and the reality of lived experiences testifies to a process of empowerment which should be analyzed from a critical angle. The legislation, such as the new family code promulgated recently, can improve the situation of women, but cultural, social and educational challenges remain preponderant. The change process requires a readjustment of mentalities and practices within households, which takes time.
### Education and awareness: the keys to change
Speaking on the subject, Bernadette Kapend, president of the Women’s Network for Development, evokes awareness efforts that have helped to develop mentalities. These initiatives are crucial, because they aim to destroy the foundations of the submission of women through education and supervision. However, it is essential to recognize that education alone cannot be enough if traditions continue to shape rigid behaviors and expectations.
The question of education is not simply limited to the schooling of girls. It includes education for gender equality from an early age and awareness of men and boys to the need to share power, while respecting the rights of their partners. Community programs that engage men to become allies in the struggle for women’s rights could transform the social landscape of the DRC.
### Comparative perspectives: empowerment models
To enrich reflection, it is interesting to consider examples of African countries that have managed to promote gender equality. For example, Rwanda has managed to establish a quota system guaranteeing the representation of women in decision -making bodies. Today, the country has the highest rate of parliamentary women in the world. This model could serve as inspiration for the DRC, where women’s participation in the decision -making spheres remains an arduous quest.
However, the application of an external model requires adaptation to the specific cultural, political and social context of each country. It is fundamental not to impose a one -dimensional vision of the emancipation of women, but rather to include local voices in the definition of what equality and empowerment means.
### Conclusion
IS’s investigation reveals figures which, although promising, require a cautious interpretation. The reality experienced by many women in the DRC shows that the path to equality is still long and strewn with pitfalls. It is imperative to explore solutions that transcend simple legislative change and invest in education, awareness and community commitment.
In this struggle for equality, each voice counts. It is time to give echo to these voices and work together to a future where the figures will no longer be out of step with the daily reality of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.