A Major Step Forward for Inclusive Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Over the past three years, Ipas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been working to understand and reduce gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination in secondary schools. This work is part of a research project funded by the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE-KIX), a joint endeavour with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Led in DRC by Ipas DRC and the École de Santé Publique de Kinshasa, the multi-country consortium project, Using youth-driven solutions and technology to make schools safer and more inclusive for pregnant, parenting and gender-non-conforming youth focuses on the experiences of pregnant and parenting girls, and gender non-conforming youth across DRC, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mali.

This long-term effort reached a significant milestone on July 14, 2025, when the Ministry of National Education in the DRC published an official circular mandating that all schools allow pregnant girls to continue their studies. The circular clearly states: "All schools must facilitate the retention of pregnant students without discriminatory administrative or academic requirements." Grounded in national and international commitments to gender equality, this decision aims to ensure that no girl is excluded from school due to pregnancy.

While policies allowing pregnant girls to stay in school already existed, enforcement remained inconsistent. As a result, many students continued to face exclusion and stigma. The Ministry's circular, therefore, marks a decisive step toward ending this discrimination and promoting truly inclusive education.

“Our team's research and advocacy played a meaningful role in achieving this outcome. Through literature reviews and strategic meetings with education officials and partners, we presented evidence highlighting the urgent need to protect pregnant students' right to education. The Minister's circular reflects our recommendations and demonstrates the tangible impact of evidence-based advocacy.”

- Neda Dowlatshahi, Ipas.

Importantly, this policy serves as more than a reminder. It is an enforcement measure that actively supports gender equality and inclusion. Moving forward, Ipas DRC remains committed to identifying and promoting solutions that make schools safer and more inclusive for all young people in the DRC and beyond.