Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Over View
Challenges Identified: Wage disparities, gendered career progression, rising cost of childcare.
Population
Economic Landscape
Political Landscape
Social and Cultural Context
Gender Index Rankings
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
Why is DRC doing what it is doing?
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
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
Why WIMAGE is doing what it is doing?
WIMAGE is focused on Challenges Identified: Wage disparities, gendered career progression, rising cost of childcare.