EXETAT 2024: girls' participation increases by nearly 3% over the last 4 years

The Ministry of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently released statistics on girls’ participation in the 2024 state exam. According to data revealed during the briefing program broadcast by Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) on Wednesday, April 3, more than 41.99% of the candidates taking the state exam this year are girls. This figure represents a 2.99% increase in the number of girls participating in the EXETAT over the past four years. Environment Minister Eve Bazaïba, speaking on the national broadcaster’s program to mark the end of March, noted that the education sector had seen a remarkable increase of 86,102 girls taking the state exam over the past four years, representing a 2.99% rise. “These figures reflect the government’s efforts to promote girls’ education and enable them to access equal opportunities within the Congolese education system,” she stated. It should be noted that in the DRC, girls have often faced obstacles such as gender discrimination, early marriage, and domestic responsibilities, which limited their access to education and jeopardized their future. Thanks to government initiatives and awareness programs, including the free primary education program, more and more girls have the opportunity to continue their studies and take end-of-year exams. The Congolese government, in partnership with national and international organizations, continues to implement policies and programs aimed at promoting girls’ education. Additional efforts are needed to permanently eliminate persistent barriers such as poverty, gender stereotypes, and restrictive social norms. It is essential to ensure an environment conducive to learning, strengthen school infrastructure, train qualified teachers, and encourage the active participation of parents and communities in promoting girls’ education. Célestin Zeula