DRC: Proposed 30% quota for women for November national election rejected

As the country prepares for national elections slated for November 2011, the Alliance Network Governance cluster focal point shared with the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance Governance cluster that gender activists are exercised about the rejection of the proposed 30% quota by all political parties. A series of meetings are being held to strategise on ways of increasing women in political decision making positions. The Zebra list has been forward as a possible system that gender activists feel should be adopted in the country.

ChantelMalamba, the Alliance DRC governance cluster focal point has appealed to all SADC women and men for solidarity through statements, technical assistance or provision of financial and nonfinancial resources to assist women in DRC to campaign. Resources have proved to be a strong hindrance to women participation as candidates in DRC. The dire needs are particularly because it is a post-conflict country.