Congo
Historical data on women
Data on women’s right to vote and to stand for election, the date at which the first woman entered parliament, and female Heads of State or Government
Women's suffrage
Date of independence
For countries that become independent after 1940
1960
Women’s right to vote
Women’s right to vote
Year in which women obtained the right to vote
1960
National or local
Suffrage: National or Local
National
Restricted or unrestricted suffrage
Suffrage: Restricted or Universal
Restricted
Detail of restrictions
Suffrage: Restrictions detail
Universal suffrage was granted for Europeans and literate Africans only. In 1951 the right to vote was extended to all those with a credible titre d'identité
Notes
Suffrage: Additional Notes on right of suffrage
Prior to independence, under French administration, Congolese women acquired the right to vote under the 29 August 1947 law (N° 47-1629) on territorial assemblies. This electoral system was renewed in 1952 and eventually replaced in 1957 when the framework law (Loi-cadre Deferre) of 1956 was entered into force. According to the CEDAW report, article 4 of the 2 March 1961 Constitution recognized the aforementioned rights.
Women’s right to vote
Year in which women obtained the right to vote
1961
National or local
Suffrage: National or Local
National
Restricted or unrestricted suffrage
Suffrage: Restricted or Universal
Universal
Women’s right to stand for election
Women's right to stand for election
Year in which women obtained the right to stand for election
1963
National or local
Stand for Election: National or Local
National
Notes
Stand for Election: Additional Notes on right to stand for election
The right for women to stand for election was recognized by the Constitution adopted on 8 December 1963.
First woman in parliament
First woman in parliament
Year in which first woman entered parliament
1963