THE DRC FIRST LADY DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI

Behind every transformative leader is often a partnership of indispensable strength and unwavering support. In the journey of President Félix Tshisekedi, this foundation is embodied by his esteemed wife, Her Excellency Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi. Her quiet fortitude and steadfast counsel have served as an invaluable anchor, particularly during the most arduous periods of his political ascent and subsequent tenure.

Beyond her celebrated public initiatives, her role as a trusted confidante and a source of profound encouragement has been paramount to his resilience. She is the epitome of a supportive partner who inspires greatness, having stood by him through years of adversity and challenge.

In doing so, she has not only become a powerful role model for the women of the DRC but for all women globally, demonstrating that a partnership built on mutual support, comfort, and shared vision is a cornerstone of true leadership.

It is this unique and resilient bond that provides the balance and strength necessary to navigate the immense pressures of the highest office, a testament to the profound influence of a partnership that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Below you will find a detailed exploration of her remarkable path and her most impactful achievements, which define her legacy as a true champion of the Congolese people.

A Pillar of Strength and Compassion: Her Excellency Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, The Distinguished First Lady of the DRC

Quick Introduction:

Her Excellency Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi is a force of compassion and an unwavering advocate for the voiceless. Born in Bukavu, South Kivu on March 9, 1967, she is a woman whose life story is defined by resilience, altruism, and a deep-seated commitment to the well-being of others. A trained caregiver, she brought the values of solidarity, empathy, and service to her role as First Lady, transforming the position into a powerful platform for social change. Since her husband’s inauguration, she has tirelessly championed the causes of women's empowerment, education for girls, and the fight against gender-based violence, earning both national and international acclaim for her impactful work. As a mother of five and the steadfast partner to President Félix Tshisekedi, she is the compassionate heart of the presidency, embodying hope and a vision for a more equitable and dignified Congo.

A Life Shaped by Resilience and Service

Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi's journey is one of extraordinary resilience. Orphaned at just nine months old, she and her siblings were raised by her maternal uncle, a Catholic chaplain in Kinshasa. This early experience of loss and communal care instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility towards family and community. This nurturing foundation, however, was tested once more by the tragic death of her uncle in 1985. Far from being a source of despair, this tragedy forged a spirit of indomitable strength and reinforced her hope in life.

She pursued her higher education in Belgium, where she chose a career as a caregiver. This profession, built on the principles of altruism, respect, and generosity, profoundly shaped her worldview. As a caregiver, she developed a deep understanding of human vulnerability and the critical importance of compassionate support. These are the very values that now define her role as First Lady and govern the choices of her social commitments.

Her love story with Félix Tshisekedi began during their time in Belgium, where he was living in political exile. Their marriage, now spanning over two decades, is a partnership forged in challenging times. She stood by him as he navigated the tumultuous world of Congolese opposition politics, offering a foundation of stability and unwavering support. Their union is a powerful symbol of a shared vision and a deep, abiding respect for one another's missions.

The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation (DNTF): A Force for Change

Upon her husband's accession to the presidency, Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi founded the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation (DNTF) in May 2019. The foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a concrete and lasting contribution to improving the daily lives of Congolese people, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable women and girls. The foundation’s work is structured around four strategic and interconnected pillars:

1. Education: Empowering the Next Generation of Women

Recognizing that education is the most powerful tool for emancipation, the First Lady has made the education of girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a central focus. Her efforts are based on the conviction that investing in girls’ education is a direct investment in the future of the nation.

The "EXCELLENTIA" Program: This flagship program is a 10-year initiative designed to reward academic excellence and build the future elite of the DRC. Launched in 2019, the program aims to award 1,000 local and 100 international scholarships to the best-performing students in the state examinations over a five-year period. These scholarships provide access to quality academic and professional training, locally and abroad, in diverse fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Agronomy. The program is explicitly designed to promote gender equality by ensuring deserving young girls have the opportunity to pursue higher education and become leaders in their fields.

"Plus de Filles à l'École" (More Girls in School): This initiative complements the President’s free primary education policy by actively raising awareness among parents about the importance of sending their daughters to school. The foundation provides scholarships and support to brilliant young girls from vulnerable families to ensure they complete their education.

Support for STEM Education: The DNTF supports initiatives like Dr. Sandrine Mubenga's STEM DRC initiative, encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, a crucial step for the country's technological advancement.

2. Health: Building a Stronger, Healthier Society

The First Lady believes that health is the foundation of any effective policy. The DNTF has made maternal and child health a primary area of intervention, targeting what she calls "medical deserts" and neglected diseases.

Maternal and Child Health: The foundation is committed to improving access to quality medical care for mothers and children. They work on the rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers to ensure better infrastructure and medical management of mother-child health situations.
The Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease: In a major achievement, the DNTF spearheaded the opening of the SS-MABANGA Mixed Medicine and Anemia Center (CMMASS), a specialized center dedicated to fighting sickle cell disease. Inaugurated after 12 months of intensive work, this initiative aims to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life for those affected, demonstrating a targeted and impactful approach to public health challenges.

3. Fight Against Violence: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

This pillar is deeply personal to the First Lady, who has become an international champion in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

UN Recognition: In May 2019, she was appointed UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against gender-based violence and women's empowerment. In December 2019, she was named a "World Champion in the Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence" by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General. These titles are not just honors; they are a mandate that she carries with immense gravitas.
Advocacy and Awareness: She uses her platform to raise awareness about the horrific realities of sexual violence in the DRC. Her message is clear and powerful: "I propose to be the voice of all those who cry in silence... let's banish the taboo and speak out even louder."
Support for Survivors: The DNTF provides better care and support for women who are victims of sexual assault. The First Lady has made moving visits to centers like the Panzi Hospital, where she spent time with survivors, strengthening her resolve to continue the fight and ensure that survivors receive comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
Promoting Positive Masculinity: She organizes awareness-raising meetings with young men across the provinces of the DRC to discuss positive masculinity, believing that engaging men and boys is essential to ending violence against women.

4. Economic Empowerment: The Final Link in the Chain of Development

The First Lady’s vision culminates in the economic empowerment of Congolese women. She understands that a woman who is healthy, educated, and free from violence can only contribute fully to national development if she is also financially autonomous.

Facilitating Entrepreneurship: The DNTF works to promote and facilitate female entrepreneurship and access to vocational training.
Micro-financing: Her foundation supports projects that help women without professional activities obtain micro-financing to start their own businesses, recognizing this as a crucial step for economic independence.

An International Voice for the DRC

Beyond her domestic work, Madame Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi has emerged as a respected international figure. She regularly attends global forums and events, sharing the story of the DRC and advocating for its women and children. Her role as the Ambassador of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" has allowed her to champion women's health and empowerment on a global stage, providing scholarships to doctors in critical medical specialties and supporting girls' education.

Her unwavering grace, coupled with her profound empathy and determination, makes her a symbol of hope for a nation striving for a brighter future. She is a compassionate partner to her husband and a tireless servant of the Congolese people.

Congratulation message from H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, for 4th anniversary of Merck Foundation