The "TOSIMBANA" program strengthens institutional solidarity for strong women's leadership in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Date: Friday, 29 May 2026

Women ministers and parliamentarians serving on parliamentary leadership bodies during an experience-sharing session held as part of the TOSIMBANA project. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office Communication Unit

Kinshasa, 26 May 2026 – On 19 May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reached a new milestone in promoting women's leadership with the holding of a collective experience-sharing session for women ministers and parliamentary bureau members as part of the "To Simbana" pilot project. Organized by the National Capacity Building Secretariat (SENAREC), in partnership with UN Women and with the support of the UK Embassy’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the DRC, this initiative aims to strengthen women's governance and leadership in decision-making spheres.

The session was a key moment for promoting transformational women's leadership, focusing on advisory support and experience sharing to consolidate a collective dynamic among women in positions of power.

Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo: Prime Minister's Office Communications Unit.

Officially launched by the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Judith Suminwa, this initiative is part of an ambitious vision to transform public institutions through increased women's participation.

"Our ambition is to gradually build a community of women capable of positively influencing governance, promoting a culture of results, strengthening institutional solidarity, and inspiring future generations of Congolese women," declared the Head of Government.

These proceedings also laid the foundation for a community of committed women, determined to work toward more inclusive, effective, and results-oriented governance.

Valery Kabamba, UN Women Representative a.i. Photo: UN Women DRC/Christian Mukenge.

UN Women welcomed the significant progress made in women's participation in decision-making bodies. The organization reaffirmed its unwavering support for each of the participants and encouraged them to leverage these moments of exchange to increase their influence and action within decision-making spheres.

Through the "TOSIMBANA" project, women in positions of power and agents of change are championing gender equality by asserting their leadership in decision-making bodies. Their collective commitment paves the way for more inclusive and sustainable governance in the DRC.