Democratic Republic of Congo

Population

• Total Population: Approximately 95 million (as of 2024)
• Gender Distribution: 50.2% female, 49.8% male
• Youth Population: Over 65% of the population is under the age of 25
• Urban vs Rural Distribution: 45% urban, 55% rural

Economic Landscape

• GDP: $55 billion (2023 estimate)
• Key Industries: Mining (copper, cobalt), Agriculture, Telecommunications
• Women in Workforce: Approximately 60%, largely in informal employment
• Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 30% less than men, particularly in informal sectors
• Challenges: Economic instability, lack of access to financial services, employment insecurity for women

Political Landscape

• Women’s Representation in Leadership:
  • Parliament: 14% (National Assembly), 18% (Senate)
  • Local Government Leadership: Minimal representation
• Challenges: Deep-rooted cultural barriers, security risks, legal framework weaknesses
• Key Policies Promoting Gender Equality:
  • Constitution of 2006 guarantees gender equality
  • National Gender Policy to address disparities
  • Efforts to combat gender-based violence through legal reforms

• Social and Cultural Context

  • Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
    • Patriarchal traditions dominate many communities
    • Women primarily engaged in domestic roles and subsistence farming
    • Limited access to education for girls
  • Traditional Barriers:
    • High rates of gender-based violence
    • Forced and early marriages
    • Limited property ownership rights for women

• Gender Index Rankings

  • Global Gender Gap Index (2023): Ranked 144th out of 146 countries
  • Human Development Index (2023): 0.479 (Low human development)
  • Women’s Empowerment Index: Low literacy rates and workforce participation
  • Challenges Identified: Poverty, conflict-related gender violence, economic exclusion.