Kinshasa, July 9, 2024 – At the start of the year, a wind of change is blowing across Congo with the presentation of the ambitious action program of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children. Under the leadership of the dynamic Minister Léonie Kandolo Omoyi, the vision of making the family a school for learning positive masculinity is taking shape with clarity and determination.
At the heart of this innovative strategy is the desire to build a Congolese society based on equality and mutual respect between men and women, girls and boys. Minister Kandolo speaks with conviction of the need to make the family a privileged space where positive masculinity is cultivated, going beyond stereotypes and gender inequalities. This vision, anchored in article 12 of the Congolese Constitution, aims to create an environment conducive to the development of everyone, while respecting their rights and dignity.
The objectives of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children fall into two major areas: the promotion of positive masculinity nationally and internationally, and the protection of the rights of families and children. To achieve these ambitious objectives, concrete actions will be put in place, such as the implementation of a national strategy to promote positive masculinity, the recognition of champions of this cause, or the creation of an innovative tax for protection of the family.
At the same time, Minister Kandolo intends to work for the establishment of a more inclusive and protective family policy. Measures such as free administrative costs during civil marriage, the revision of the family code to strengthen the protection of girls, or the organization of group civil marriages throughout the national territory, will be considered in a concern for equality and social justice.
When it comes to protecting children’s rights, the Minister of Gender displays unfailing determination. Concrete actions such as the collection of data for the establishment of children’s committees, the care of children with disabilities, or the launch of the “one family, one child” project demonstrate its commitment to of the younger generation.
Finally, Sweden’s commitment to supporting the Congolese government in promoting the rights of women and children is a strong signal of solidarity and international cooperation.
In a context where gender equality and the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable are essential issues, the action program of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children opens the way to a more just and balanced society. Thanks to the vision and determination of Minister Léonie Kandolo, Congo is positioning itself as a major player in the promotion of positive masculinity and a harmonious family, a pillar of building a better future for all.