**Fatshimetrie: For a society that respects the rights of widows in the DRC**
The situation of widows in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a subject that raises many concerns, particularly with regard to the mistreatment to which they may be victims. The provincial gender minister of Haut-Katanga, Gisèle Ngungwa, recently launched an urgent call for urgent action to guarantee the legal and social protection of widows in the DRC.
During International Widows’ Day celebrated in Lubumbashi, the minister highlighted the poignant stories of women like Sarah and Chantal, who were faced with situations of abuse after the loss of their spouse. These stories reveal the precariousness in which many widows find themselves, forced to provide for their families in difficult conditions.
Sarah, a mother of four, was kicked out of her home by her in-laws after the death of her husband, simply because she refused to remarry her late husband’s brother. To feed her children, she works as a babysitter and sells curds, juggling her work and family responsibilities.
Chantal, for her part, finds herself alone raising her two children after being abandoned by her in-laws. She had to find creative ways to meet their needs, selling curds in front of a school in Kampemba commune. These stories unfortunately reflect the reality of many widows in the DRC, left behind and deprived of their most basic rights.
Minister Gisèle Ngungwa underlines the importance of collective action to guarantee better protection for widows in the DRC. It is essential to put in place solid legal and social systems to ensure that these women can raise their children with dignity and have access to decent living conditions.
It is time to put an end to the inhumane treatment and discrimination suffered by widows in the DRC. Society must become aware of this reality and commit to supporting these courageous women who fight every day to rebuild their lives. By working together, we can build a society that is more inclusive and respectful of the rights of widows, where everyone has their place and is treated with dignity.