A critical high-level dialogue convened in Bangui on May 16 and 17, addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women during election periods in the Central African Republic (CAR) with the aim of forging lasting solutions.
The two-day dialogue on gender-based violence (GBV) during elections brought together a diverse array of stakeholders. Participants included members of the Central African government, the MINUSCA Representative, various technical and financial partners, UN agencies, influential religious and traditional leaders, representatives of political parties, and civil society organizations.
Discussions delved into the multifaceted forms of violence women endure in the electoral context, whether they are serving as candidates, voters, or electoral officials. The dialogue also rigorously examined the economic, legal, and sociocultural barriers that continue to impede women’s full political participation and leadership.
Dr. Marthe Kirima, the Minister of Gender, Family, and Child Protection, underscored the urgent imperative to act decisively to guarantee women’s security and political rights. “We must identify barriers to their participation, develop targeted communication strategies, and promote real behavioral change,” she asserted.
Gisèle Annie PANA, a former minister and prominent speaker at the dialogue, reiterated that ensuring women’s safety during elections is a collective responsibility. “Whether they are candidates, voters, or election officials, every woman must be protected. Too many of them have already been victims of violence on the ground,” she emphasized.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Bemba Maitike called for the stringent enforcement of existing legal frameworks. “There are laws, but few sanctions. This workshop must lead to concrete progress in the protection of women,” she stated firmly.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint commitment by all participants to continue consultations and translate the recommendations into actionable measures. Among the key proposals are strengthening sanctions against perpetrators of electoral violence targeting women, revising the rules of engagement for United Nations Forces to ensure a more effective response to such violence, and establishing a dedicated Monitoring Committee comprising both state and non-state actors.
MINUSCA, a pivotal partner in this initiative, reaffirmed its unwavering support through technical and logistical assistance. The UN mission also announced a financial contribution of $1.3 million, earmarked for the revision of the electoral register and the comprehensive implementation of the Integrated Electoral Security Plan, further solidifying efforts to protect women’s participation in the electoral process.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA