Women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to generate debate and efforts for their full recognition and implementation. On July 11, the Ministry of Gender and the NGO IPAS organized a conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, relating to the rights of women.
During this conference, the speakers recalled the importance of women’s rights as inalienable human rights. They stressed the need to end sexual and gender-based violence, slavery and exploitation, and to guarantee education, property ownership and inheritance, and freedom of expression. and voting. Equality between women and men is seen as the key to realizing these rights.
Participants also discussed the challenges that the DRC faces in terms of gender equality and access to rights. Despite these challenges, they expressed their conviction that the commitment of all can reduce inequalities and offer young girls and boys the same chances and opportunities from birth.
During this conference, the Canadian Ambassador to the DRC expressed his confidence in the full implementation of the Maputo Charter, stressing that this would improve the situation of Congolese women and girls. The minister in charge of vocational training praised the efforts of the partners and mentioned advances such as equality between girls and boys in primary education, as well as the representation of women in government.
The conference also addressed topics such as men’s commitment to women’s rights, women’s political leadership over the past 20 years and future perspectives for society, law and justice in the DRC.
Overall, this conference served to highlight the importance of women’s rights in the DRC and the persistent challenges for their full recognition and implementation. She also underscored the need for continued collaboration and commitment by all actors to promote gender equality and guarantee the rights of Congolese women and girls