Government of national unity: an opportunity for female representation in decision-making forums

Kinshasa, July 30^th, 2025 (CPA).-The formation of a government of national unity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been described as a significant opportunity for greater female representation in the country’s decision-making forums. – The formation of a national unity government in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was described as a significant opportunity for greater representation of women in the country’s decision-making bodies during an awareness-raising day organized on Wednesday in the capital, Kinshasa. ‘A government of national unity could indeed provide an opportunity to strengthen the presence of women in the country’s political and public life. This initiative can lead to better representation of women and consideration of their needs and concerns in policy-making,’ has said Adelard Ikasa Apangwa, coordinator of the non-profit organization ‘Friends of Mum Liliane Bemba (AMLB)’. ‘A gender-balanced government of national unity can serve as an example for Congolese society and a model for other institutions. It encourages and demonstrates the importance of greater female representation in all areas, including politics. It is also a golden opportunity, provided that specific and concrete measures are implemented to ensure real equality of opportunity,’ he added. According to Mr Ikasa, this opportunity to strengthen the presence of women in leadership positions requires political commitment and concrete action to make it a lasting reality. ‘The presence of women in a national unity government can positively influence political culture and encourage greater female participation in political parties and electoral processes,’ he said, indicating that it is essential for political parties to make a real commitment to including women in negotiations and appointing them to positions of responsibility. ‘Political party leaders must strengthen women’s leadership capacities in order to prepare them to take up positions of responsibility in the country,’ has stressed Mr Ikasa. On this occasion, he called for support from international organizations, in this case UN Women, to accompany DRC’s efforts in the area of gender equality and women’s political participation. The coordinator of this structure also pointed out that the Constitution and specific laws of DRC recognize women’s right to equitable representation in national institutions. ‘Women hold only 7.2% of decision-making positions at the national level (parliament and government). Sociocultural, political and economic factors continue to limit women’s participation in political life,’ he has explained. The issue of women’s representation in the national unity government in DRC is a key concern, with calls for greater equity and increased participation of women in the country’s political life. The 2006 Constitution of DRC (Articles 5, 14 and 15) and Law No. 15/013 of August 1^st, 2015 on parity aim to promote gender equality and the equitable participation of women in the management of public affairs.