Women presidents of boards of state-owned enterprises and public institutions were honoured on Saturday, 28 March in Kinshasa during an event organized by the Collective of Presidents of Boards of Administration (COPAC). The ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
This meeting, aimed at highlighting the role of women in the governance of state-owned enterprises, brought together several presidents of boards of administration of public companies and guests from the administration.
In his speech, the president of COPAC, De’Alonzo Ngoie Lubika, also president of the board of directors of FONER, praised the contribution of women presidents of boards of administration in the management of public enterprises.
He also paid tribute to the Minister of Portfolio Julie Shiku, mentioning the developments observed in the relationships between the ministry and public mandate holders.
“Since taking the helm of this ministry, the working conditions of public mandate holders have been improving. Through her attentive listening, constant availability and commitment to supporting governance bodies, she has been able to establish a climate of trust conducive to efficiency and performance,” he said.
In his intervention, the president of the collective also called on board members to meet the requirements related to their responsibilities, referring to the observations contained in a recent World Bank report on the economic situation in the DRC, which highlights several challenges related to the functioning of boards of administration, financial transparency, and accountability.
Women presidents of boards of administration, represented by Gisèle Kayembe, president of APROCM’s board of directors and president of the event’s organizing committee, also spoke to underline the importance of women’s participation in public governance structures.
During the event, a symbolic gift was presented to the head of government, Judith Suminwa, as a token of appreciation for her support of women in these positions.
The ceremony concluded with a family photo of the participants, followed by a musical performance by a female orchestra.
