The Limited Rights of Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo - Literature review Example

Literature 1 “Over 20000 People Reached by Successful Advocacy Campaign on a Gender Sensitive Electoral Law in the Democratic Republic of Congo” – from United Nations Development Fund for Women (November 2005) This press release talks about the two-week high-level advocacy campaign for women to have an equal right to vote. It must be noted that during the past years women does not have a right to join in the electoral process of the country. The contents of this paper will provide background on the limited rights that women in Democratic Republic of Congo has as well as ample information on what rights these women deserve to have. The highlights of this paper is when it identifies the very reasons why Congolese women deserve to take part in the country’s electoral process may it be in the electoral mandate or in the main electoral office per se). To quote, the reasons are: “ Congolese women have a lot to offer to the nation.” (UNDF 2005) The paper stated the facts that women play a very crucial role in the development of the country. It has specifically stated that women are taking part in the peace building and even on the country’s reconstruction initiatives. Thus, it is reinforced in the paper that having this roles, women’s involvement in the major decision making process of the country will somehow ensure the improvement of the country. The DRC has signed and ratified international conventions to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality. (UNDF 2005) The paper has provided evidence that the democratic Republic of Congo is a member of those countries which have included provisions for gender equality in the constitution. This paper focused on the fact that this constitution – the political will – should now be put into action – into reality. Equal Access of women and men to electoral mandates and electoral offices will improve governance and at the same time bring sustainable solutions to development of the country; women are not seeking to govern against men, but to govern with men to maximize development potential in the DRC. (UNDF 2005) The statement above concluded the entire paper. It is reinforcing the fact that men and women should be treated equally particularly if it concerns a major decision process that will benefit and will affect the entire nation. Relevance of the paper This paper basically talks about just one right that every women should be given – and that is the right to vote and the right to acquire a position in the government. The men are enjoying this basic human right, but the Congolese women are still fighting for it. This makes this press very important in my research. With this press release, it is now clear that there are many NGO’s who have been supporting Congolese women and their quest for equal rights. This paper also answers how most NGO’s such as the UNDF views Congolese women in particular. The very attributes of Congolese women that are included in this press release just prove that Congolese women are important part of the society. This also proves that Congolese women’s effort in assisting the growth of the country and their ability to help restore peace and development of the country did not go unnoticed. Literature 2 Democratic Republic of the Congo: Women's Views on Empowerment. IFAD December 2002. “In the opinion of poor rural women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both training and small income-generating activities can contribute to their empowerment.” – IFAD 2002 This paper talks about the evaluation made after the three seminar/workshops projects, which includes: 1. Community development (through a Fund mechanism) 2. Energy-saving stoves 3. Social forestry The evaluation is more focused on the beneficiaries (or those who attended the seminar/workshop) and with the people who are directly working with the said beneficiaries. In the evaluation process, various questions were given to the respondents to assess their level of satisfaction regarding the recently concluded seminar/workshop. In the response given by the women respondents, women’ increased empowerment is given more emphasis. Many women stated that empowerment is occurring at the household, association and even at the rural community level. Women at the workshop defined increased empowerment as: • Greater appreciation by their husbands of themselves and their contribution; • Opportunity to own more assets; • More access to credit; • Ability to gain higher self-esteem With the response given by the women alone, it can be inferred that they have become more productive at the end of the workshop. This literally shows that Congolese women are very happy that there are seminars and workshops such as this focusing on the productivity and women empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This also proves the fact that Congolese women appreciate that there are certain agencies and NGOs who are concerned with the status of women in the country. More so, this proves the fact that women doing everything just to prove that they are an important member of the society and that they can do something to benefit themselves, their respective families and the nation as a whole. “In this case, the women seemed to define their empowerment primarily in terms of economic and social relationships at the household level and in terms of their own self-esteem. New roles they undertook were particularly empowering. The project apparently contributed to a trend in women’s empowerment that was already under way in this area and was influenced by the fact that men were losing their pre-conflict economic leadership and that women were increasingly assuming the responsibilities and tasks formerly carried out by men. In such situations, where society is generally in flux, prescribed gender roles can also change more readily.” (IFAD 2002) The above-shown statement concluded the evaluation paper. The statement is basically highlighting the possibility of gradual change in the prescribed gender roles in the society.. The statement had also reiterated the fact that as the days passed, more and more women are becoming ready to accept tasks and responsibilities that are generally done by most men before. Thus, it is very clear that that women empowerment is indeed working its way in the Democratic Republic of Congo and that more men and women are now realizing the fact that both gender are equal and that both can contribute greatly in the success of the whole country Relevance of this study: This paper can also play an important role in my research undertaking. This paper shows various initiatives that NGOs provide for the Congolese women. The very idea that there have been seminars, workshops and/or trainings addressing the development and empowerment of women is astounding already. The results disclosed in the evaluation process is also helpful in highlighting how most women can benefit from various trainings that will be given to the. The results also provide background as to what kind of seminars and trainings that Congolese women would appreciate. Aside from these all, the paper proved the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo is gradually paving its way for a societal change. Men and women are being prepared – mentally, emotionally and physically – to accept changes in the traditional gender roles. Literature 3 Gender Profile of the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNIFEM “Women have extensive experience in reconciliation within their communities, in the provision of basic services after war, and in rebuilding their families. But rarely are their perspectives and insights utilized in negotiation and peace building. Societies pay a huge price for ignoring the proven abilities of women to forge agreements.” - UNIFEM This paper has covered various important issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of which are (1) the impact that the conflict has brought to the Congolese women, (2) women's peace building activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, (3) what UNIFEM is doing in DR Congo. The paper is very objective enough in providing information as to what had happened with the Congolese women when the conflict erupted. In several number on incidents report (with which all of which are documented by various agencies), it is disclosed that there are series of rape cases or sexual abuse for the Congolese women which all happened during the conflict. Killings and physical abuse were also rampant during those days. Moreover, there was a rampant prostitution even with girls at a very young age, high frequency of abortion, low or a very minimal level of insurance and a widespread of disease - sexually transmitted disease included - was noted during that time. However, despite all these, it is also disclosed in the paper that there was no medical attention, or societal or governmental assistance that were provided for these greatly affected Congolese women which only left women feeling insecure, helpless and hopeless until today. Now that the Democratic Republic of Congo is trying to rebuild itself, many women are also trying to regain themselves. Women who have been tremendously violate physically, emotionally and sexually have been trying to stand up from their present predicament. Some of them help other women who were also affected by the conflict. Others tried to work with various government and non-government agencies in trying to rebuild the nation and in trying to improve peace and orderliness of the country. “Despite the horrific and meaningless violence visited upon them, Congolese women in Southern Kivu province have formed grassroots support networks to assist victims of sexual violence and encourage them to come forward with their stories…”- UNIFEM Relevance of this paper: There are many sources used in this paper – all of which are credible sources. The issues highlighted are very relevant and concerns the most recent status of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its residents, most especially the women. What is good in this paper is that it has objectively revealed what has happened in the country during the time of war and what impact it has created to is women. More so, various news, statistics and issues related to Congolese women is highlighted in this paper making it very related to my own research paper. This paper provides enough information on what problems did most Congolese women faced during the time of war. This also provides enough information as to why most women have been fighting for their rights nowadays. Also, the paper offers clear explanation as to why numerous government and non-government organizations are focusing more of its efforts in developing the morale of the Congolese women. With this, it is very clear that this third literature is very much related to my own research paper. All of the government and non-government agencies listed in this paper, plus all of the issues and relevant details written in this provides a clearer picture about the country during and after the war. This then will provide me in coming up with an equally objective analysis and conclusion for my own research undertaking. Literature 4 Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women : Democratic Republic of the Congo. United Nations, January 2, 2000 “The Committee encourages the Government to find the necessary resources to entrench the principle of gender equality, particularly ensuring the equal participation of women and men at all levels of decision-making.” – UN, 2000 In this open document from the United Nations, UN has expressing its appreciation to various organizations who has been helping the Democratic republic of Congo in uplifting the lives of its citizens. This shows that even UN is very much aware that the said country is in dire need of assistance and is commending those who are able to provide the needed assistance. In fact, in this open document, it has highlighted that various activities and conventions supported or sponsored by various NGOs that are all aimed at developing the country, particularly those areas who have been extremely affected by the war. “The Committee is concerned at the persistence of traditional customs and practices, which are in violation of women's fundamental rights, such as dowry, the levirate, polygamy, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.” – UN, 2000 There is a portion in this open document that specifically talks about the Congolese women. It shows that the UN is very much aware of how the war had “almost destroyed” the Congolese women and how deeply they had suffered because of the war. I the letter, the UN has expressed its utmost compassion for the Congolese women. More so, UN has showed its concern and how willing this Ngo is to support whatever activities that will rebuild the women’s confidence and will help strengthen their will to continue living. Relevance of this literature This literature just reinforces the fact that more and more NGOs are concerned with the status of the Congolese women right after the war. With this idea alone, it is apparent that this literature will add credibility to my own research undertaking regarding the numerous assistance and extensive efforts that NGOs are providing for the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly to its women populace. Generalization All the literatures presented above are just few of the many published journals and articles related to the NGOs’ initiatives for the Congolese women. These literatures offers detailed information on various aspects of feminism, equality in gender roles, women empowerment, NGOs’ assistance for the women and women’s contribution and role to the society, particularly in the perspective of Democratic Republic of Congo. References: “Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women : Democratic Republic of the Congo”. United nations, January 2, 2000 “Democratic Republic of the Congo: Women's Views on Empowerment”. Completion Evaluation Report, Rome: IFAD, November-December 2002 “Gender Profile of the Conflict in DR Congo”. United Nations Development Fund for Women. “Over 20000 People Reached by Successful Advocacy Campaign on a Gender Sensitive Electoral Law in the Democratic Republic of Congo”. United Nations Development Fund for Women. Kinshasa. 25 November 2005 Read More