Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has urged for a unified response to address the plight of women and girls affected by armed conflicts in the Great Lakes region. Speaking at a panel discussion on women's parliamentary leadership in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Suminwa emphasized the need for a concerted effort to tackle the consequences of three decades of conflict in eastern DRC. She highlighted the devastating impact on women and girls, while outlining her government's initiatives to ensure their protection and promote their participation in peace, security, and development efforts.
Suminwa pointed out that the eastern region of DRC has been plagued by conflict for 30 years, resulting in immense suffering for women and girls. She stressed the importance of the government taking measures to protect its citizens, particularly in territories ravaged by armed conflicts. The Prime Minister specifically mentioned the situation in Goma and Bukavu, emphasizing the state's responsibility to guarantee access to essential services, including education, even in occupied areas. Her government has taken steps to alleviate the burden on families by covering the costs of state exams for students in public schools.
The Congolese government has launched multiple initiatives to empower women economically, particularly those who have fallen victim to sexual violence and conflict. These initiatives focus on supporting female entrepreneurship and implementing programs for young people. Suminwa underscored the importance of providing a coherent and concerted response to the challenges faced by women. Her government is working to promote women's economic autonomy and provide them with the necessary support to become self-sufficient.
During the panel discussion, Suminwa presented the interventions of the National Fund for the care of survivors of conflict-related violence. These interventions include psychological, social, and economic support. She also discussed the implementation of the 145-territory local development program (PDL-145T), which aims to strengthen the state's presence through the construction of public infrastructure. The program has already led to the construction of schools, health centers, and administrative buildings.
Suminwa's government has also prioritized healthcare, particularly for women. She mentioned the implementation of free childbirth services in the health sector, which has helped reduce maternal mortality rates. The Prime Minister emphasized that her government's approach prioritizes the protection of women, their economic empowerment, and access to education.
The DRC Prime Minister participated in the first edition of the Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL). She called for a comprehensive approach that includes the protection of women, their economic empowerment, and access to education. Suminwa's advocacy efforts focus on placing women's participation at the heart of responses to peace, security, and development challenges in the Great Lakes region.
Suminwa's speech at the panel discussion was part of her efforts to engage with international partners and stakeholders on the issue of women's protection in conflict zones. Her government remains committed to working with various partners, including the United Nations, to support the implementation of programs aimed at protecting women and promoting their empowerment.
Key points
- Judith Suminwa calls for concerted action to protect women and girls in conflict zones
- DRC government launches initiatives to empower women economically and provide support to survivors of conflict-related violence
- Suminwa presents the 145-territory local development program aimed at strengthening the state's presence in conflict-affected areas
