** Matadi: Towards a better representation of Protestant women in politics? **
On May 16, 2025, in Matadi, a voice raised to plead in favor of an increased representation of Protestant women in political bodies, carried by Senator Norbert Basengezi. His intervention, during the provincial Congress of Protestant Laïcs of the Central Kongo, highlighted a crucial issue: the socio -political commitment of women in a society often perceived as patriarchal.
The statement according to which “women should not only come here accompany us, but must also occupy decision -making” underlines a reality shared by many voices within various social and religious movements. Women have often been underrepresented in political spheres, despite their active involvement in societal issues.
### An inspiring model: Prime Minister Judith Suminwa
Senator Basengezi highlighted the model of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, in order to galvanize the commitment of women. This choice is significant with regard to the historical challenges that women had to overcome to access power positions. The existence of female models such as Suminwa can have a positive impact on the aspiration of many women to participate in governance. However, this inspiration should not be limited to emblematic figures. It is essential to reflect on structures that support the rise in skills and the preparation of women for various political roles.
### Strategies to consider: reflections and proposals
The recommendations mentioned during the congress, including the creation of strategies promoting female participation, inscribe this initiative in a broader framework of reflection on inclusion. The work commissions have a key role in playing in formulating concrete policies. Among the proposals, that of reserving specific seats for women in institutions might seem radical, but it is part of an international movement towards parity. Many countries have adopted similar measures to guarantee equal representation on the basis of quotas, thus making it possible to expand democratic debate and enrich decision -making.
### The place of women in political parties
The senator stressed that his party, Ance, already offered opportunities to women and encouraged their membership. However, a questioning persists: is this formal approval sufficient to invite women to fully engage? It would be relevant to explore how parties can facilitate this commitment through training, support networks, and the implementation of programs aimed at fighting stereotypes that persist in the political sphere.
### A broad societal issue
The Congress approach is not limited to a simple desire to increase the number of women in the political sphere; It extends to a more global reflection on the place of Protestant lay people in Congolese society. The inclusion and the fair representation of all the members of the Protestant community are laudable objectives that require lasting commitment and concrete actions.
### Conclusion: towards a sustainable evolution
The intervention of Senator Basengezi, by calling for more representation of women, participates in a societal movement underway. The question of the place of women in politics is before us, questioning not only political structures, but also mentalities.
The promising future of a greater involvement of women in political governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires collective mobilization. This calls for a reflection on concrete means to embrace change while ensuring that this quest for equity does not become an end in itself, but on the contrary a lever for transformation for the whole of society. The path is strewn with pitfalls, but the beginnings of a constructive dialogue are now on the agenda.