Kinshasa: Validation of the second report on the Maputo Protocol

Kinshasa, November 12^th, 2025 (CPA) . – The second report on the implementation of the Maputo Protocol was validated on Tuesday in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children’s X account. “The Fleuve Congo Hotel hosted the final validation workshop for the second periodic state report on the implementation of the Maputo Protocol in the DRC. Organized by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children, with the support of its technical and financial partners, this workshop marks a decisive step in monitoring the country’s international commitments to promoting and protecting women’s rights,” the report said. Ms. Micheline Ombae, Minister of in charge of Gender, welcomed this inclusive and rigorous process, affirming that the document reflects the efforts undertaken to promote women’s rights in the DRC. She also paid tribute to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi for his constant commitment to the dignity and protection of women. ‘We will pay tribute to the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Champion of Positive Masculinity in Africa, for his constant commitment to the dignity and promotion of Congolese women,’ she said, before expressing her gratitude to Judith Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister, for her vision and support for public policies on gender equality, as well as to all partners, notably IPAS/DRC and the Study and Planning Unit for the Promotion of Women, Families and Child Protection (Cepfe), for their technical and financial support. The same source said that this report follows on from the first one submitted in 2015, which highlights the progress made by the DRC in sexual and reproductive health, combating gender-based violence (GBV), promoting positive masculinity and inclusive governance, while highlighting the persistent challenges related to women’s political participation and economic empowerment. The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing to implement the Maputo Protocol, adopted by the DRC in 2008. She called on participants to work responsibly and patriotically to finalize a document that accurately reflects the reality of Congolese women.