CONCLUSION In the implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, it emerged that although quite a lot still has to be done to ensure an ideal form of equal rights for men and women in the DRC, remarkable efforts have been made. Among the strides chalked in the country, mention should be made of the improvement in the area of girl-child education where the parity index is almost consistent (perfect equality) at the primary school level. With regard to access to health care by women, the Government has adopted a Reproductive Health (RH) policy, established the National Reproductive Health Programme (PNSR) which is intended to facilitate the implementation of the policy and finalized standards for the provision of services and the inclusion of RH in the minimum package of primary health care activities in order to improve maternal health and to reduce the risk of death linked to complications from RH problems (pregnancy, illegal abortion, STIs and HIV/AIDS) for persons who have reached the child-bearing age, young people and adolescents as part of the efforts at ensuring education on sexuality. With regard to the fight against violence, it is observed that laws have been passed to prevent and curb the various forms of violence; mass education activities have been carried out and mechanisms have been put in place to provide support for victims, although the incidence of the phenomenon still remains high. In addition, victims of and witnesses to sexual violence receive special protection. Among the advances made, it is important to state the budget situation of civil society organizations monitoring the cases of women and girls who have suffered rape. Legal clinics are being organized by these organizations where victims of sexual violence receive free legal assistance. Concerning political participation and decision-making, the level of representation of women in decision-making bodies is still low, as a result of the presence of many cumbersome procedures linked to backward customs. Regarding the right of women to peace as well protection in armed conflicts, Congolese women have played a significant role in the conflict prevention, management and resolution process at the local, regional, continental and international levels. It could thus be said that both men and women are urged to participate in the peace-building and safeguarding of the country. On rights relating to marriage, the Congolese legislature recognizes marriages celebrated in the family setting in accordance with custom; this form of marriage is the most popular one in Congolese society which is predominantly rural; but once they are celebrated in the family setting, they must be registered at the registry office. The minimum age required for marriage, as defined by the legislature, is 18 years. Besides, the 2007 reformed nationality law now recognizes that both men and women are entitled to pass on Congolese nationality through kinship. In addition, marriage to a foreigner no longer leads to a loss of nationality for the woman, just as women can pass on nationality to their spouses. In the event of a separation, divorce or dissolution of marriage, women are protected by the relevant provisions of the Family Code. 71