The gathering first served as a reminder of the stakes involved in the local elections, which are meant to pave the way for grassroots democracy.
As part of preparations for the upcoming local elections, MINUSCA brought together around fifty politically engaged women on April 10, 2025, in Bossangoa, Ouham Prefecture. The meeting aimed to discuss the stakes of women’s participation in the ongoing electoral process, the challenges they face in the political arena, and strategies to ensure their full inclusion in local governance.
The gathering first served to underscore the significance of the local elections, which are expected to pave the way for grassroots democracy. It was also a key moment to highlight the importance of women’s participation in these elections, which is essential to ensuring inclusive and balanced political representation.
The meeting further focused on the obstacles faced by women involved in politics. Anastasie Oniset, President of the Bossangoa Women Leaders Platform, stated: “Women’s participation is crucial for equitable representation, but major challenges remain, such as lack of financial resources for campaigns, political violence, and the reluctance of some parties to fully integrate us.”
To overcome these hurdles, participants proposed strategies based on solidarity and mutual support. Chantal Lydie Bria, from the Association of Christian Women of Bossangoa, outlined planned initiatives: “We’re looking at concrete solutions such as creating support groups for women, improving access to campaign financing, and establishing networks of women candidates to share experiences and mutual support.”
Yves Niyiragira from MINUSCA’s Political Affairs Division stressed the importance of women’s active involvement in the electoral process—not only to ensure their representation but also to promote peace and stability in the prefecture. “Women must be better represented in political decision-making bodies to contribute to sustainable development and peacebuilding in the region,” he added. His remarks were echoed by the sub-prefect of Bossangoa, Jean-Claude Bandore, who affirmed that “women have the power to change the future of Bossangoa.”
This meeting thus laid the groundwork for a stronger and more structured women’s mobilization ahead of the local elections, emphasizing that women’s inclusion in electoral processes is a key factor in building a more equitable and stable society in Bossangoa.