The Congolese Feminist League, supported by the Gender Section of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was officially launched on September 23 in Kinshasa. The new organization brings together several prominent figures and leaders of local NGOs determined to advance women's rights. The launch event, held at the MONUSCO Townhall, was attended by representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic corps, and actors from the United Nations system.
The league is led by committed individuals such as Grâce Shako, president of the ASBL Leadership des femmes de médias, Elsie Lotendo, Richine Masengo, Jeanette Amougou, Sarah Lotendo, Agathe Ngomba, Do Nsoseme, and Patricia Phanzu. This new platform aims to mark a strategic turning point in the fight for women's rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Grâce Shako, the league's national president, the objective is not to replace existing structures but to bring together scattered efforts and amplify the voices of women.
Faida Mwangilwa, former Minister of Gender, Family, and Child and gender consultant, expressed her enthusiasm for the commitment of this young generation. She praised the courage of these young women who openly assume their feminist engagement, considering it a great encouragement and a source of pride. Mwangilwa acknowledged that while there have been achievements, there are still many challenges to overcome.
Mireille Laurier Affa'a Mindzie, head of MONUSCO's Gender Section, warmly welcomed the determination of the nine founding feminists and the new structure's members. She emphasized the importance of synergy between women's movements and institutional partners, highlighting the effectiveness of collective action. According to Affa'a Mindzie, the event is at the heart of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda, supported by UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The Congolese Feminist League has set clear and urgent priorities, including the fight against femicides and gender-based violence, access to education for girls, and economic autonomy and the right to work. The league aims to denounce and combat the growing scourge of women victims of deadly violence within their homes and to promote the schooling of young girls in rural areas.
The league has launched a pressing appeal to all organizations and change-makers across the country to join the movement. The new synergy plans to rely on integrated strategies to durably transform the social and institutional landscape in favor of Congolese women.
The launch of the Congolese Feminist League marks a significant step towards promoting women's rights and empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The Congolese Feminist League aims to unite and amplify the voices of women in the fight for equality.
- The league has set priorities, including the fight against femicides and gender-based violence, access to education for girls, and economic autonomy and the right to work.
- The launch event was attended by representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic corps, and actors from the United Nations system.
