Brief 4 : political representation of women and the construction of gender relations in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Date

2014-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University for Peace Africa Programme, Addis Ababa, ET

Abstract

This policy brief examines the reasons for the low representation of women in the legislative elections of 2006 and 2011 in Democratic Republic of Congo. It attempts to show that material or financial factors are not the major impediments to the poor showing of women in the 2006 and 2011 legislative elections. Apart from these, socio-cultural factors like stereotypes, clichés and sexist images conveyed by the society equally play a determinant role. The government policy which should be geared towards ensuring equal opportunities between men and women in politics rather proposes remedies for the improvement of the social image of women in view of increasing their number in the decision-making process.

Description

Keywords

CONGO, WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION, GENDER EQUALITY, POLITICAL POWER, DEMOCRATIZATION, WOMEN'S RIGHTS, ELECTORAL SYSTEMS, POLITICAL REPRESENTATION, GENDER MAINSTREAMING, ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM

Citation

Welepele Elatre, C. (2014). Brief 4 : Political Representation of Women and the Construction of Gender Relations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. UPEACE Africa Policy Series, 1(2): 45-51.

DOI