International
women’s day 2008
“Caucus des Femmes du Sud
Kivu pour la paix” (The caucus of women of South Kivu for peace) fixes
election criteria
for the governor of
South Kivu Province
 “Investing
in women and girls” was the theme for the International women’s day
2008. For the DR Congo, investing in peace and justice for protection
and autonomy of women and girls was the theme chosen. However, in the
South Kivu province in particular, to help restore the dignity of women
the theme:” Woman! Wake up, walk, you have strength” was
chosen.
 In
Bukavu, Province of South Kivu, in the DR Congo the International
Women’s day 2008 was celebrated in a very special way. Thousands of
women, young and old, from local and international human rights
organisations, local authorities as well as other services attended the
parade and other ceremonies organised at « Place de l’Indépendance », in
Bukavu. Different speeches were given on the occasion.
Among the speeches there
was one from pygmy women. Addressing the audience, a woman representing
the pygmies spoke about the spoliation of the Pygmy land on purposes of
broadening the national park of Kahuzi Biega. This has forced the pygmy
population around the park into a difficult nomad life.
Soon after the parade, the
association “Caucus des femmes du Sud Kivu pour la paix” (The caucus of
women of South Kivu for peace) addressed a memorandum to provincial
parliament. In this memorandum, the caucus fixes election criteria for
the new Governor of South Kivu Province. It has to be reminded that the
election of the governor will take place on 21st march 2008.
According to Caucus des femmes du Sud Kivu pour la paix, the governor to
be elected by the provincial parliament should fulfil the following
objective criteria:
-
having satisfactory experience in
managing public properties
-
being able to mobilize all social
groups taking into account provincial feminine potentiality.
-
Being ready to struggle against
corruption and never go back to it to exercise power
-
Knowing the rights of women and being
ready to defend them.
-
Being able to apply parity within
provincial institutions in accordance with article 14 of the
constitution of the 3rd Republic
-
Being of good morality
-
Never having been involved in wars
which caused death and sexual violence to women and girls including
children in DR Congo.
-
Presenting a detailed plan for
reconstructing the Province
-
Being familiar to out world
I her speech, Mrs Josée
Kambaji, the chairwoman of the provincial network “Gender Woman-child”,
focussed on three elements: The historical background of the
International women’s day, the theme of this year and the goal that
women need to reach. According to her, such a day has been celebrated
for 90 years internationally though different ways, but each makes a
difference.
Bukavu, 8 march 2008-03-10
Héritiers de la Justice
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