Kinshasa, August 6th, 2026 (CPA).-Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has paid a vibrant tribute on Thursday in Kinshasa to the women who have championed the cause of gender equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during the celebration of International African Women’s Day (JIFA). “Honour to those who have raised their voices when silence seemed the wiser course, to those who have persevered when resistance seemed insurmountable. Women’s rights are neither a favour nor a concession. They are a requirement of justice, a cornerstone of our democracy,” has declared Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister. Twenty years after gender parity was enshrined in the Constitution, Judith Suminwa has affirmed that parity is making real progress in our country, highlighting her appointment as Prime Minister – a historic milestone among the 28 heads of government since 1960 – made possible under the leadership of President Felix Tshisekedi, the “African champion of positive masculinity”. She has also noted the increase in women’s representation in government, which has raised from 17 per cent in 2019 to 33 per cent now. The Parliament, the justice power, the public enterprises and the provinces are continuing this momentum. The Head of Government has also highlighted certain invisible and virtually insurmountable barriers that hinder women’s advancement, notably socio-cultural pressures and networks of co-optation within political parties.
The recognition of the commitment of women in the east
Furthermore, she has praised the efforts of women in the east of DRC who, despite armed conflicts and extreme violence – notably the Rwandan invasion – have distinguished themselves through their unwavering commitment to economic empowerment, community solidarity and peace. According to the Prime Minister, “the government will continue to strengthen the enforcement of laws on gender parity, girls’ education, vocational training, economic empowerment and women’s leadership,” she has reassured. She went on to say: “The government cannot act alone.” The responsibility also lies with political parties, the private sector, civil society and families. For her part, Micheline Ombae, Minister in charge of Gender, has indicated that “This meeting, organised within the permanent framework of the Congolese Women’s Consultative Body (CAFCO), reinforces the government’s efforts to promote and protect women’s rights, economic empowerment and political participation.” She has, by this opportunity, reiterated the legal frameworks: the Constitution, Law No. 15/013 of August 1st, 2015 on gender parity, and the draft decree establishing the National Commission on Gender and Development, approved on February 10th, 2026. During this event, the CAFCO has announced the forthcoming National Women’s Forum for Sustainable and Inclusive Peace, to be held on August 11th and 12th, with the aim of refining women’s terms of reference to ensure their effective participation in the dialogue process. Organised by the framework for consultation amongst Congolese women (CAFCO) in collaboration with its partners under the theme: ‘Women, Peace and the Process’, this event has brought together members of the government and civil society organisations, as well as international organisations.