According to the background and rationale of the Republic of Congo’s National Action Plan, the country adopted its first WPS NAP in 2018 for the period 2018-2022. However, after two years of experience, problems with its implementation rose, particularly financial difficulties and lack of coordination (pg. 8). Therefore, the second NAP (2021-2023) was modified based on this experience, to overcome these challenges and ensure implementation.
As a result, the NAP outlines a framework based on 4 pillars: 1) Coordination, financing, monitoring-evaluation, and popularization of 1325: a mechanism for more effective implementation; 2) Prevention and protection of girls and women: to prevent all forms of violence against women of all ages; 3) Participation: to ensure the participation and representation of women in politics, fight political violence and preserve the gains in favor of women and girls; 4) Recovery and reconstruction: promote economic empowerment of women as a contributor to peace and stability, considering the needs of women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable groups.
The NAP framework is structured around five strategic axes:
- Coordination, financing, monitoring, and evaluation of the implementation of the NAP
- Promotion of resolution 1325 and other legal texts protecting the fundamental rights of women and girls
- Promotion of the participation, representation, and involvement of women in the prevention, conflict resolution, and peace negotiations.
- Strengthening the protection of women, men, girls, and boys against gender-based violence in times of peace, conflict, and post-conflict.
- Taking gender into account in humanitarian action, recovery, and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR)
There were significant changes from the first NAP to the most recent, including:
- Creation of mechanisms to fight sexual and gender-based violence against women, including prevention, protection, reparations, and comprehensive care in urban and rural areas.
- The mechanisms for the coordination and monitoring of the NAP include key ministries, development partners, civil society, new and specific executive bodies, a communication unit, and an M&E committee.
- A clearer system that assigns responsibilities and monitoring actions for the operation of the NAP, including a capacity-building program for actors at all levels.
- A strengthened commitment of civil society to organize and advocate for actions in favor of the defense of women’s rights.