On the occasion of International Girls’ Day celebrated on October 11 each year, DeskFemme met Madeleine Mwadi, prefect of the Nkamu institute in Lemba/Kinshasa. She discusses the challenges parents face in raising girls during adolescence and offers strategies to help young people flourish.
Madam, why is it important to talk about adolescent crises in young girls?
Madeleine Mwadi: Adolescence is an important period in the life of any young person, particularly a young girl. It is a moment of transition where the girl constructs her identity, faces social pressures and discovers her body. Adolescent crises can be sources of conflict between parents and daughters, but they also represent an opportunity for dialogue and strengthening family ties.
What are the main difficulties that adolescent girls encounter during this period for their development?
Madeleine Mwadi: Adolescent girls face challenges such as gender stereotypes, limited access to education, early marriage and cultural expectations that weigh on their aspirations. These obstacles can hinder their personal and professional development.
What are the main challenges that Congolese parents encounter in this context to help their daughters develop?
Madeleine Mwadi: Many parents face cultural stereotypes that influence the way they raise their daughters. But also the social pressure for these girls to succeed academically and maritally often creates an atmosphere of stress. Additionally, the lack of resources and training on managing adolescent crises further complicates the situation.
How do you assess the management of these crises by the parents?
Madeleine Mwadi: Parents’ management of adolescent crises varies considerably. Some are understanding and strive to engage with their daughters, while others take a more authoritarian approach, which can exacerbate conflicts. They must be trained on adolescent issues to improve their management of these crises.
What strategies do you recommend to them to better manage these crises?
Madeleine Mwadi: I advise parents to first establish open and caring communication with their growing children, especially girls. They must listen to their concerns without judgment. Then, encourage their autonomy while offering them support. Group activities, such as workshops or clubs, can also help girls share their experiences and feel less isolated.
How can schools and communities support parents in this task?
Madeleine Mwadi: On the one hand, educators, teachers, etc. can serve as mediators by organizing information sessions for parents, in order to help them better understand the issues related to adolescence in order to better manage their children. And on the other, communities must value young girls, by providing them with positive role models and creating safe spaces where they can express themselves, they must promote gender equality in all areas in order to enable girls to feel considered and useful to society.
What initiatives could be put in place to improve the situation of young girls in Congo?
Madeleine Mwadi: We must promote educational programs focused on the personal development of girls; mentoring initiatives and scholarships to contribute to their empowerment. Finally, raise awareness in society about the importance of gender equality to change mentalities.
What message would you like to send to young Congolese girls on the occasion of this day?
Madeleine Mwadi: I invite them to believe in themselves and their dreams. To always ask for help if necessary and to make their voices heard in every circumstance to enforce their rights. They have the power to shape their future, so they need to wake up and take matters into their own hands.
Comments collected by Nancy Clémence Tshimueneka
