In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and more specifically in the city of Goma, women face numerous challenges in accessing elective positions. Yet, they have undeniable mental faculties and physical capacities. Their presence in politics is not only a necessity of equity, but also a valuable resource for democracy and the country’s development.
Obstacles to Overcome
Congolese women have to overcome endogenous and exogenous obstacles. Self-underestimation, lack of confidence, and self-limitation are major personal challenges. Madame Kayumba Mamy, the inter-federal representative of the New Momentum party and coordinator of INAFEC, underscores that “underestimation is the fear that holds women back from getting into politics and accessing decision-making positions.”
In addition to these internal obstacles, women face external challenges such as lack of funding for electoral campaigns. Indeed, politics requires substantial financial resources, and women often do not have the means to compete with their male counterparts on this front.
Political Parties’ Call to Action
It is crucial that political parties take proactive measures to support women in politics. They must work to amend the electoral law that limits women’s participation and promote equal opportunities in terms of campaign funding.
Political parties have a duty to include and promote women, not only to respect gender equality principles but also to leverage the diversity of perspectives and talents that women can bring to the decision-making table.
Towards Inclusive Politics
Madame Sophie Valinde, spokesperson for the union of teachers of public primary schools in North Kivu and candidate for national deputy, emphasizes that women have talents and abilities they often ignore themselves. It is therefore essential to work on women’s empowerment, building their self-confidence, and enhancing their skills.
It’s high time that Congolese political parties realize the importance of women’s inclusion and act accordingly. The DRC cannot afford to ignore half of its human potential. Political parties have a crucial role to play in ensuring fair representation and enabling women to fight on an equal footing.
In summary, women’s involvement in politics in the DRC is not only a matter of social justice; it’s also a matter of national development. Political parties must therefore take the measure of this challenge and act now to support women in their fight for equality in politics.
Blessings, Tumsifu from Goma
