Empowering and politically engaging women in the Democratic Republic of Congo

English translation by community member KBurns.

Empowering women starts with helping them out of illiteracy. It is a question of speaking up for their general needs. Every opportunity must be taken to share knowledge with those in the local community. When there is a chance for gender equality, it must be taken – for example, women can do work that is usually done by men by the breaking their silence. A woman must know and understand what role she plays for a community or a nation in order to take on her responsibility, as well as the heavy burden she bears, and work hard. Responsibility therefore represents a great success for all women.

Once that decision is taken, women must not stand by or try to lead an easy life; they are meant to fight for their own interests and for those of their country. A woman is a crucial source of education for her family and nation, with other women around her as a source of guidance. A woman can be a leading figure in her country's fight for peace if she proves her ability to resolve women's issues, without discriminating against women in rural areas and despite the catastrophic situation the country finds itself it. Women must advise on the appointment of people to newly established roles, as well as participating in decision-making in various areas. Once elected, a women can maintain her authority without changing her behaviour or being diverted from her goals. The question is: why are there so few women in politics?

Some say the answer is that women don't take on the responsibility of the role they are given, which is why they are marginalised. You, the reader, may have another answer that could help us to achieve our dreams. On that note, I challenge all women to stand up for unity, for changing mentalities – that includes not seeing yourself as superior to other women – and for valuing the word "woman" so that men vote us into political roles.