Factors impeding women's participation and representation in higher decision-making positions in DRC.

On 11 Nov. 2015 under the auspices of the Gender Section in South Kivu in partnership with the Association of Women Lawyers in Congo, a round table on "the promotion of a large number of women in forthcoming elections in South Kivu". Thirty (30) women candidates gathered in MONUSCO premises in Bukavu to look at ways and means to bring the different stakeholders involved in the process to identify specific and adequate measures for the physical, legal protection of political women candidates. The participants worked on strategies to be implemented as well to generate a full involvement and participation of women in the electoral process as candidates, voters, observers, polling officials, witnesses amongst others.

The discussion also centered on factors impeding women's participation and representation in higher decision-making positions despite the many and various national laws/the DRC Constitution and international instruments on women and the promotion and protection of their rights.

KEY DATES

October 31st

15th Anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) in Goma, North Kivu

November 11th, 2015/ A Round-Table debate with women candidates for upcoming elections of deputies in South Kivu- commemorating the anniversary.