Fatshimetrie, October 26, 2024 – The fight against violence against girls now occupies a prominent place in the Congolese landscape, with the recent holding of the first National Conference for the Elimination of Violence against Children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The recommendations resulting from this event mark an essential turning point in the collective awareness of this scourge which hinders the development and well-being of young Congolese girls.
The importance of strengthening ongoing awareness-raising activities was highlighted, particularly through regular campaigns in schools. Merveille Loola, Girl Ambassador at UNICEF/Kasaï Central, insisted on the need to create awareness-raising materials adapted to each age group, thus paving the way for effective and targeted awareness-raising.
The promotion of positive masculinity was also highlighted by Clément Dinda of the Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality in the DRC (RHEEG-DRC), stressing the importance of inspiring male role models and the integration of gender issues into school curricula from a young age.
This first National Conference, hosted by the Prime Minister, marked a crucial step in the fight against violence against children in the DRC. Bringing together eight key Ministries, as well as actors from international cooperation, the private sector and civil society, it represents a significant step forward towards the eradication of this unbearable violence that limits the potential of young Congolese women.
Ramatou Toure, Head of the “Child Protection” section at UNICEF/DRC, expressed the desire for an inclusive and egalitarian society, where girls can fully realize their potential and break down the barriers that hinder their social advancement. Her speech highlights the hope for a prosperous Congo, where young girls have access to all opportunities, regardless of gender.
In conclusion, this historic conference represents an essential step towards a more just and equal future for Congolese youth. By actively integrating the voices of children and young girls in the development of a national strategy to combat violence, it paves the way for a society that is more respectful of children’s rights and more attentive to gender equality.
Fatshimetrie, as a witness to this key moment, must relay this major progress and encourage the continuation of actions aimed at guaranteeing a better future for all young girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.