On October 9, 2026, the Secretary of State for National Education, Goulé Koudji, presented Chad's legal arsenal to promote women's rights in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The presentation was made during a forum focused on women's empowerment and rights. Koudji highlighted Chad's legislative and regulatory texts aimed at promoting women's rights, particularly against child marriages and female genital mutilation.
According to Koudji, Chad's 2023 Constitution enshrines equal opportunities between men and women. The country has also adopted laws to sanction parents who marry their children before the age of 18. In 2015, Chad passed a law to combat female genital mutilation, and various initiatives have been launched to eradicate the practice, including awareness-raising actions and engagement with traditional leaders.
Despite progress, Koudji acknowledged that certain local traditions hinder the eradication of female genital mutilation. To address this, the Chadian authorities are exploring alternative solutions that preserve the educational dimension of initiation rites without resorting to mutilation. The Secretary of State also emphasized the existence of legal provisions against gender-based violence, particularly in the Penal Code.
Koudji highlighted Chad's initiatives to empower women economically, including providing funds and equipment to support their activities. The country has also implemented a National Action Plan to promote women's participation in peace and security initiatives, covering the period 2023-2027. This plan aims to ensure that women's rights and participation are considered in peace and security efforts.
The Secretary of State cited the example of an excellence prize organized by the Chadian authorities to encourage the empowerment of young girls in entrepreneurship, education, and innovation. In the previous edition, six young girls each received 6 million francs to develop their projects, while the current edition's grant has been increased to 10 million francs per beneficiary.
Koudji praised the progress made in the Democratic Republic of Congo in promoting women's rights, citing the appointment of a female Prime Minister and the participation of women in the government. She encouraged Congolese women to share their experiences with those from other countries in the sub-region, highlighting the importance of the Forum for Inspiration and Exchange of Experiences (FIEF) as a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening female leadership in Africa.
The FIEF brings together participants from 17 African countries to discuss women's rights, leadership, and contribution to development. Koudji's presentation was part of the forum's program, which aims to promote women's empowerment and rights in Africa. The event provides a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in promoting their rights and leadership.
Key points
- Chad's Secretary of State for National Education presents country's legal measures to promote women's rights in Kinshasa.
- Chad's 2023 Constitution enshrines equal opportunities between men and women.
- The country has implemented initiatives to empower women economically and promote their participation in peace and security efforts.
