** For a decent world of work in the DRC: a new era for workers? **
On February 19, 2025, a significant approach was launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the launch of a awareness campaign on decent work, orchestrated by the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) in partnership with the International Network For the right to social protection (Inspir-DRC). Entitled “For a peaceful world of work, I am committed!” “, This initiative embodies a collective desire to promote worthy working conditions, emphasizing the crucial need for adequate social protection for workers.
### ** The reality of work in the DRC: a social emergency **
The DRC faces major challenges in decent work. According to the latest studies, almost 90% of the active population is evolving in the informal sector, often outside internationally recognized work standards. Domestic workers, taxi-motorcycle drivers and other precarious workers are particularly vulnerable. These alarming statistics underline the urgency of the situation and the correctness of the launch of this campaign, which is based on four fundamental pillars: creation of decent jobs, respect for rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.
### ** A campaign articulated around four pillars **
1. ** Creation of decent jobs: ** Support for entrepreneurs in the Social and Solidarity Economy sector as well as the professionalization of professions such as that of the driving of taxi-motorcycles reflect a pragmatic approach to endow the population of worthy work opportunities. At the same time, the National Employment Office (ONEM) undertakes to mobilize and direct resources to projects with high social impact potential.
2. ** Respect for rights and standards at work: ** Collaboration with the General Labor Inspectorate and awareness campaigns on workers’ rights improve the visibility of the problems encountered by workers, while offering them a framework for protection. A particular focus on domestic workers, often neglected in social policies, illustrates the desire to remedy systemic injustices.
3. ** Social protection (in health): ** The initiative to set up universal health coverage and maternity compensation for women in the informal sector is a decisive step towards better social security. This approach meets pressing needs of the population, often exposed to health precariousness.
4. ** Social dialogue: ** Support for unions membership and encouragement to strengthen their functioning are crucial levers to ensure that workers’ concerns are actually integrated into public policies. In a democracy under construction, social dialogue is essential to improve living and working conditions in the DRC.
### ** Morally downwards and collective awareness **
Innocent Mbadada, advisor to the Minister of Employment and Labor, spoke of global statistics on harassment and violence at work, thus motivating this campaign. Can we really speak urgently without a collective awareness of Congolese society? The imminent signature of the 190 convention and the recommendation 206 by the Parliament could mark a significant advance, but this should be accompanied by active awareness among the population. The task of stimulating citizen commitment promises to be crucial.
### ** A holistic approach: the expected benefits **
This campaign is not limited to a simple communication operation. Its impact could resonate beyond the borders of the DRC, by offering a model to other nations faced with similar issues in the field of work. Globally, highlighting decent work could also pave the way for larger discussions concerning the responsibility of multinational companies, and their role in the promotion of acceptable working conditions within the countries where they operate.
### ** Conclusion: a horizon of hope for Congolese workers **
The campaign “For a peaceful world of work, I am committed!” »Open a new path to respect the rights of workers in the DRC. However, for this initiative to be really effective, it will require an unprecedented mobilization of all the actors concerned: government, companies, unions and citizens. Ultimately, the DRC could then appear a pioneer on the African continent in decent work, inspiring other countries to follow its example. Congolese workers, long left behind, deserve a future where dignity and respect for rights are no longer promises, but a tangible reality.
It is only at this price that the country will really be able to initiate sustainable and inclusive development, anchored on social justice and equity.