DRC: Low Representation of Women in Public Enterprises Deplored in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, February 26^th, 2026 (CPA). – The low representation of women in recent appointments within strategic public enterprises of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was deplored on Thursday in Kinshasa during an interview granted by a youth network. “The International Youth Network for Sustainable Development (RIJDD) closely followed the reading of the recent presidential ordinances appointing new leaders at the head of several strategic public enterprises. In light of this evident underrepresentation of women in strategic positions of economic governance—one woman out of 13 appointments, or only 7.68 percent—the RIJDD calls for the effective enforcement of Article 14 of the Constitution,” declared Miriane Kizimini, Coordinator of RIJDD. Ms. Kizimini recalled that parity is not merely a symbolic demand but a legal and constitutional requirement, reinforced by international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol. Furthermore, the network’s coordinator encouraged the Head of State to ensure more equitable inclusion of competent women in decision-making positions, reaffirming her organization’s commitment to promoting inclusive and gender-sensitive governance.