MADAME INÈS NEFER BERTILLE VOUMBO YALO INGANI THE ARCHITECT OF A STRATEGY SERVING WOMEN'S RIGHTS
In
the Congolese political landscape, few female figures embody the promotion of
women's rights, institutional engagement, and citizen mobilization with such
consistency as Inès Nefer Bertille Voumbou Yalo Ingani. At the head of the
Ministry for the Promotion of Women, the Integration of Women into Development,
and the Informal Economy, she has established herself as one of the key
architects of reforms promoting gender equality and combating gender-based
violence.
By Osée TENE
THE
MOUEBARA LAW, A TURNING POINT IN THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN
The legislative history of the Republic of Congo
will remember the decisive role played by Inès Nefer Bertille Voumbou Yalo
Ingani in the adoption of Law No. 19-2022 of May 4, 2022, known as the
"Mouebara Law," concerning the fight against violence against women.
Faced with the persistence of gender-based violence, the Minister led extensive
consultations with the Government, Parliament, international partners, and
civil society organizations. This process resulted in the adoption of a text
that now constitutes a major reference in the Congolese legal framework for the
protection of women.
The Mouebara Law strengthens prevention, victim
protection, and the prosecution of perpetrators of violence. It criminalizes
rape, harassment, domestic violence, and certain forms of discrimination,
particularly in matters of inheritance. Its entry into force marks a
significant step in consolidating women's rights in the Congo.
A
DIPLOMACY OF PARTNERSHIPS IN THE SERVICE OF DEVELOPMENT
The Minister's actions are also supported by an
active policy of cooperation with technical and financial partners. By
strengthening ties with United Nations agencies, she helps to align national
policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA), several initiatives are being developed focusing on
sexual and reproductive health, the prevention of early pregnancies in schools,
and the medical, psychological, and legal support of victims of gender-based
violence.
The partnership with the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) focuses on women's economic empowerment, strengthening
income-generating activities, supporting informal sector micro-enterprises, and
promoting women's leadership in decision-making bodies. In parallel, the
ministry maintains close cooperation with the African Union (AU), the Economic
Community of Central African States (ECCAS), several embassies, and development
agencies. These partnerships contribute to the funding of projects that support
vocational training, economic inclusion, and women's capacity building.
A
MOBILIZATION DYNAMIC AT THE HEAD OF THE OFC
Beyond her government responsibilities, Inès Nefer
Bertille Voumbou Yalo Ingani serves as permanent secretary of the Organization of
Women of Congo (OFC), a specialized organization of the Congolese Labour Party
(PCT).
In this role, she has been actively working with
women in both urban and rural areas. Her awareness campaigns focus on several
priorities: economic empowerment, access to credit, promoting women's
participation in political and administrative life, valuing work, and
transmitting values of responsibility and dignity to younger generations.
AN
EXPERIENCED FEMALE POLITICIAN
Elected representative for the second district of
Moungali, Inès Nefer Bertille Voumbou Yalo Ingani has forged a reputation as a
woman of action. Her political career demonstrates an ability to combine
commitment, resilience, and a proactive approach in an environment where women
continue to face numerous challenges.
True to a pragmatic approach to public action, she
prioritizes results over rhetoric. Her career illustrates a consistent
commitment to working for women while remaining dedicated to the institutions
of the Republic, her political engagement, and dialogue with the people.
The Mouebara law strengthens prevention, protection of victims and
repression of perpetrators of violence.
A
LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
By combining legislative reforms, international
cooperation, and grassroots mobilization, Inès Nefer Bertille Voumbou Yalo
Ingani continues her commitment to promoting women's rights and their
participation in national development. Through the policies implemented and
partnerships developed under her leadership, she is contributing to progressively
strengthening the role of women in Congolese society and making the principles
of equality and the protection of rights an increasingly concrete reality.
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