On November 2, in Dar es-Salaam, Democratic Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasized the need for increased female participation in preventing and resolving conflicts in the Great Lakes region. Addressing a gathering of parliamentary delegations at the Women's Parliamentary Conference for Peace and Development, she advocated for women's involvement that goes beyond symbolism and translates into real influence in decision-making processes.
Judith Suminwa outlined her ambition to transition from mere representation to tangible influence and ultimately, to concrete results. This call to action comes twenty years after the signing of the Nairobi Pact on Security, Stability, and Development in the Great Lakes region. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of assessing progress made so far and converting regional commitments into actionable steps towards peace and development.
A significant portion of Judith Suminwa's address focused on the security situation in eastern DR Congo, where ongoing armed conflicts have severe consequences for civilian populations. She condemned the aggression attributed to the Rwandan army and its allies, highlighting the plight of women and young girls facing violence, forced displacement, and loss of loved ones.
While acknowledging the resilience of these women, Judith Suminwa insisted that they must be recognized as full-fledged actors in peacebuilding, rather than solely as victims of conflict. The Prime Minister also recalled the DR Congo's commitment to women's rights, as enshrined in the constitution, particularly regarding their representation in public institutions.
Judith Suminwa urged regional parliamentarians to utilize their legislative and budgetary powers to combat gender-based violence, promote girls' education, support women's economic empowerment, and enhance the care of displaced populations. The Dar es-Salaam meeting brings together political leaders, parliamentarians, and international partners with a shared goal: to strengthen women's contributions to peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region.
According to the Prime Minister, women's participation in peace processes is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development. She encouraged parliamentarians to prioritize the implementation of laws and policies that support women's rights and empowerment. By doing so, Judith Suminwa emphasized that the region can harness the potential of its female population to build lasting peace and stability.
The conference in Dar es-Salaam serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing women's engagement in peacebuilding efforts. Judith Suminwa's address has set the tone for constructive dialogue and collaboration aimed at promoting women's central role in shaping the future of the Great Lakes region.
Key points
- DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka calls for greater involvement of women in conflict prevention and resolution in the Great Lakes region.
- Judith Suminwa emphasizes the need for women's participation to go beyond symbolism and translate into real influence in decision-making processes.
- The Prime Minister urges parliamentarians to use their legislative and budgetary powers to support women's empowerment and combat gender-based violence.
