The workshop recently organized in Kinshasa around the collection and analysis of data for the drafting of the report of the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was a crucial step in the promotion of women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This event, which took place from June 20 to 22, 2024 at the Floribert Chebeya conference room of the Carter Center, brought together representatives of women’s rights organizations (ODDF) from several provinces of the DRC.
The main objective of this workshop was to provide participants with the necessary tools to write a quality alternative report to the CEDAW Committee. This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the progress made and the challenges encountered in the elimination of discrimination against women in the DRC. This is an important step to raise awareness and mobilize around this fundamental issue.
Marie-Josephine Ntyakolo, program officer at the Carter Center, aptly emphasized the importance of rigor and precision in data collection and analysis. These elements are indeed essential to guarantee the reliability and relevance of the final report. She also encouraged participants to collaborate closely and pool their respective expertise in order to produce a high-quality document.
The support of the Carter Center and the Maison des Droits de l’Homme au Congo was instrumental in the success of this workshop. These institutions played a key role in providing logistical and technical assistance, as well as supporting the ODDFs in strengthening their capacities in terms of data collection and analysis. Their contribution was an essential pillar to the success of this initiative.
The three days of intensive work allowed participants, coming from regions facing various challenges, to formulate relevant and constructive recommendations for the CEDAW Committee. The diversity of perspectives provided enriched the discussions and strengthened the scope of the alternative report currently being developed.
In short, this workshop represented a significant step forward in the fight against discrimination against women in the DRC. The collective efforts deployed during this meeting demonstrate the commitment of local actors to the promotion of women’s rights and the construction of a more inclusive and equitable society. This in-depth work and close collaboration provide solid foundations for continuing the fight for gender equality and social justice.