Dar es Salaam, November 3rd, 2026 (CPA).- The protection of women affected by armed conflicts, their economic empowerment and the safeguarding of children’s future in war-affected areas were at the center of the advocacy delivered by the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday in Tanzania, during a conference.
“You spoke about political instability in the East; I am going to talk to you about a war in eastern DRC. It has been going on for 30 years, and in this war, women and young girls in particular are bearing the consequences.
In this context, it is important for us, as a Government, to take a number of measures,” Judith Suminwa said during the first Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the Great Lakes Region, held in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking during a panel devoted to “Women’s Parliamentary Leadership in the Service of Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region,” Prime Minister Suminwa outlined government initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s financial independence, particularly through support for female entrepreneurship and youth mentoring programs.
“It is important today to ensure that we have a coherent and deliberate response to issues affecting women. To this end, under our action program, we are working not only to empower women but also to provide them with economic support, particularly through programs designed to promote female entrepreneurship,” she said.
The State maintains social services in conflict-affected areas Addressing the situation in territories affected by conflict, particularly Goma and Bukavu, the Congolese Head of Government stressed the need to safeguard access to education, including in areas under occupation.
She notably referred to the Government’s payment of fees related to the organization of State examinations for pupils attending public schools, in order to enable girls and boys to continue their education despite security challenges.
Judith Suminwa also highlighted the interventions of the National Fund dedicated to supporting survivors of conflict-related violence, particularly through psychological, social and economic assistance.
The 145 territories program to strengthen women’s resilience
As part of efforts to strengthen the State’s presence in affected communities, the Prime Minister referred to the Local Development Program for the 145 territories, which notably provides for the construction of schools, health centers and administrative buildings.
“We began by building schools, health centres and administrative buildings, also to ensure that the authority of the State is present. The program is under way and has not yet been completed,” she said.
She also underscored the importance of social programs, particularly free childbirth services, in reducing maternal mortality.
“This also makes it possible to continue working alongside programs such as those in the health sector, including free childbirth services, because they enable us to support women and reduce maternal deaths during childbirth,” Ms Suminwa explained.