Women living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face constant threats to their health and well-being and an uphill battle when it comes to achieving equality and inclusion.
High rates of armed violence, sexual violence, child marriage, maternal mortality and human trafficking, as well as the disproportionate impact of HIV prevalence, food insecurity and poverty, are just a few of the factors contributing to profoundly challenging circumstances for women in the country.
Despite the hardships they face, women are dramatically underrepresented in peace-building processes and political institutions in the DRC, comprising just seven per cent of positions at the highest levels of government – a reality that continues to severely compromise women’s progress toward a brighter future.
But in 2019, a new chapter opened up in the fight for justice and equality for Congolese women through the work of WILPF DRC, which has been actively advocating for women’s advancement and social, economic and political participation since 2007.
Playing a critical consultative role in the development of the country’s second National Action Plan (NAP) to drive progress for women and ensure their representation in peace efforts, in 2019 WILPF DRC helped usher in fresh momentum to commitments for women’s inclusion in the nation.