Mathématiques au féminin 2nd edition: 100 prizewinners receive university scholarships in science and technology

On behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), Deputy Minister Théodore Kazadi presided over the ceremony on Thursday, November 20, to award 100 prizes and university scholarships in science and technology to the winners of the second edition of the “Mathématiques au féminin” competition. The ceremony took place at the Hilton Hotel in the Gombe district of Kinshasa. The initiative is led by the African Zone League for the Defense of Children’s and Students’ Rights (LIZADEEL), in partnership with the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship and the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Children, with technical support from UNESCO, UN Women, and Airtel DRC. It is part of a program to combat gender inequality by promoting mathematics and science among secondary school girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A competition that showcases talent Esther KAY, product manager at LIZADEEL, explained that this competition is organized to encourage girls to pursue their studies in science and technology, fields once considered the exclusive domain of boys. She noted that the competition was conducted with rigor and passion.

“Everything came down to the quality of the work, perseverance, and passion. This moment rewards a sincere commitment to the pursuit of excellence; that is what makes this ceremony so beautiful. It shows us not only the results, but above all the values they embody: courage, discipline, and integrity... Maths au féminin paves the way for a generation of conscious, ambitious women ready to transform the world through their knowledge and determination,” she stated.

The Chairman of Lizadeel’s Board of Directors, Joseph Godé Kayembe, who outlined the organization’s activities, was quick to point out that they have always been willing to support the government of the Republic, particularly in promoting equity and inclusion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In her remarks, the Minister of Gender, Family, and Children, Micheline Ombae Kalama, found the right words to celebrate the bold intelligence and determination that characterize the 100 winners of this second edition of Mathématiques au féminin.

"Today we honor those who break stereotypes and rewrite history. We honor the 100 stars of this second edition of the competition who carry high the torch of a new generation of courageous women. This initiative aims to build a nation where academic excellence among women is not the exception, but the norm—where young girls are no longer content to be mere spectators of progress, but become its architects, engineers, analysts, and strategists," the minister stated.

Technical and financial partners reiterate their commitment to supporting equity and inclusion These scholarships, explains the CEO of Airtel DRC, are offered by the Airtel Africa Foundation, one of the continent’s largest corporate social responsibility programs, which operates in more than 14 African countries to strengthen access to education, promote equal opportunities, and encourage female talent. For UNESCO, this initiative is fully aligned with the United Nations education framework, which aims for quality education for all and promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

"This competition symbolizes a strong commitment to breaking down the gender stereotypes that too often hold girls back in science and technology. Mathematics is much more than a school subject; it is a universal language, a key to understanding the world and building the future. By encouraging young girls to engage with it, we are all contributing to building a more innovative, inclusive, and equitable society," emphasized Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa, UNESCO representative in the DRC.

The Ministry of Education and New Citizenship urges the award winners to persevere In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Théodore Kazadi, praised the vision of the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, in support of girls, championed by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and her government through the Ministry of EDU-NC’s five-year plan, which promotes equity and inclusion.

“Before I begin, allow me to pay tribute, on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Her Excellency Raïssa Malu, whom I represent here, to His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Republic, Head of State, and champion of positive masculinity, for his enlightened vision, his inspiring leadership, and his unwavering commitment to youth education and gender promotion in our country. “I also pay tribute to Her Excellency Ms. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister and Head of Government, for her determination to translate this presidential vision into concrete actions, particularly in promoting girls’ education and equal opportunities in all areas of national life,” he stated.

He also commended the commitment and support of all technical and financial partners in the success of this initiative. The Deputy Minister congratulated the awardees for their work and courage. He encouraged them to continue on this path, always believing in themselves.

"Dear awardees, your success is eloquent proof that science and technology are fields where women have a rightful place and where they can excel without any discrimination. You are role models for thousands of other girls who, inspired by your success, will dare to dream big and pursue their aspirations," he urged.

It should be noted that the 100 scholarship recipients come from more than 200 schools across the five educational provinces of the city-province of Kinshasa that participated in this competition. Willy Kambulu