Congo/March 8: Pointe-Noire women's associations learn about the Mouebara law

A conference-debate on the theme of "The Mouebara law, a tool for combating violence against women" by Diamant Essou, a legal expert and doctor of law, brought together women from a number of associations in the coastal town on March 8.

Participants in the conference-debate discussed various aspects of the Mouebara law, including its objectives, the types of violence that can be recognized, preventive measures, legal proceedings, sanctions and the law's impact.

Jurist Diamant Essou recalled that thanks to this law, the Congo received the Positive Masculinity Award, presented by the former President of Liberia, Hélène Johson Surlif, and the African Union Commission for Women. The law is the first of its kind in French-speaking Africa, after South Africa. Its implementation led to the creation of the Mouebara center for the reception and rehabilitation of women and girls who are victims of violence, instituted by law n°1-2023 of February 21, 2023.

"The Mouebara law is not an instrument that pushes women to go to war against men, but rather an instrument of protection and prevention. Women need to inculcate these values and notions in themselves. The law is named after the mother of the Head of State, Denis Sassou N'Guesso. Emilienne Mouebara, this lady of great heart, so self-effacing and ordinary during her lifetime, who gave birth to a great statesman. This law was created on May 4, 2022, and has a symbolic and memorial character. It was born to highlight the essential role played by women in the history of peoples. The term pays tribute to the commitment, resilience and impact of those who have contributed, sometimes in the shadows, to shaping societies and promoting human and universal values. Through this name, every woman in the Congo, every mother, is honored in her dignity as a woman", said Diamant Essou.

For her part, Evy Josiane Ngoma, vice-president of the association Le cœur de Denis-Christel-Sassou-NGuesso, pointed out that Mouebara law n°19-22 of May 4, 2022 gives a special place to women in the Congo. "This is why we are taking advantage of this International Women's Rights Day to tell women that, over and above its festive aspect, this year's International Women's Rights Day is a great opportunity for them to celebrate their rights. beyond its festive side, this day represents a favorable opportunity to address her major issues", she declared.

The toll-free numbers 144 and 06 950 50 50 have been given to women for any emergencies they may have.

Source: www.adiac-congo.com