Kinshasa, September 27th, 2026 (CPA).- Congolese women were on Saturday urged to enhance their skills in order to contribute to the country’s development during a conference on women’s leadership held at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), under the theme: “Heritage, Courage and Elevation: Women at the Heart of the Republic.”
“A woman who is aware of her heritage, driven by courage and elevated through work can fully take her place in building the Republic. The Republic is not an abstraction. It exists in our universities, administrations, businesses, laboratories, associations, families and neighbourhoods. It is built every day through the quality of the work accomplished, the integrity of decisions taken and the ability of each person to turn their skills into contribution,” said Tina Salama, Spokesperson for the Head of State. “Our demographics represent considerable potential. But potential only becomes a force when it is accompanied by skills, initiatives, responsibilities and commitment,” she said, stressing that her address at the meeting was in line with the vision of Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, who is committed to preparing the future of Congolese youth, with particular attention to the development of higher education and the improvement of learning conditions throughout the country. Ms. Salama called for in-depth reflection on each of the three concepts, which complement one another and require a sense of responsibility.
“They chart a path: understanding what we receive, daring to make something of it and growing sufficiently to pass it on in turn,” she added. “Heritage can become a source of resignation or a foundation from which to go further (…). The first barrier we often have to overcome is an internal one. The way we view what came before us partly determines what we are capable of making of it. Heritage must not remain merely a story,” she stressed. Ms. Salama also urged female students to emulate the great women figures of their country, whose distinction is the result of perseverance. “Courage is the transition from an idea to action. It is not merely about dreaming. It means carrying an idea, taking responsibility for it, accepting criticism and overcoming difficulties until an idea is transformed into a positive result,” the Spokesperson for the Head of State further said. She described elevation as the result of learning, discipline, work and the ability to transform women’s strengths into useful contributions. “Elevation, for its part, is the result of a process. It stems from learning, discipline, work and the ability to transform what we receive into a useful contribution,” she said. “True elevation is therefore not measured solely by a position, title or status; it is also measured by what our journey makes possible for others,” she explained. Above all, she stressed the importance of individual preparation to assume major responsibilities before they arise unexpectedly.
“Do not wait for your turn to come. Prepare yourselves to be ready when it does. Heritage gives you roots. Courage gives you momentum. Elevation gives you responsibility,” Ms. Salama concluded. Organised by the student organisation “Eminence Femme Unikin” in partnership with the Office of the Spokesperson for the Head of State, the conference aimed to raise awareness among women about valuing their knowledge and skills in order to promote exemplary women’s leadership in the DRC.