Kinshasa, March 22nd, 2026 (CPA) – A call to strengthen the role of women in environmental management was made Sunday during a workshop held in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), organized by an international NGO under the theme: “Investing in Congolese women: the pillar of a sustainable economy and respected rights.” “Strengthening women’s role in sustainable environmental management contributes to building a healthier, more responsible, and more sustainable society,” said Jean-Robert Bowela, national coordinator of the Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Management and Human Rights Protection (IGED), speaking at the workshop. He noted that women occupy a crucial place in society: they are not only educators within the family but also key actors in environmental management at both household and community levels. Jean-Robert Bowela explained that women face several challenges, including lack of information and environmental awareness, insufficient waste management infrastructure, and limited participation in certain community decision-making processes.
According to him, these challenges can be addressed through education, awareness-raising, and support for women-led initiatives. He further indicated that, to strengthen women’s role in sustainable environmental management, several actions are needed, including enhancing environmental awareness among women, supporting community initiatives led by women, encouraging their participation in local environmental decision-making, and promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices.
“Women, through their educational, organizational, and social roles, constitute a key pillar in the sustainable management of both household and community environments,” he stressed.
“Investing in Congolese women means investing in health, environmental education, dignity, and the future of our society,” he concluded. The activity was organized by Community Actions for Integral Development (ACDI), in collaboration with the Network of NGOs for Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection in Congo (ROPEC), as part of activities marking Women’s Month.