FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DEFICIT OF MARITAL AUTHORITY IN THE HOMES OF WOMEN WORKING IN NGOS IN BUNIA (DRC)

Author: Mbuyu Mulongo Lauriane

ABSTRACT

This study examined the factors influencing the deficit of marital authority within the households of women working for NGOs in Bunia (DRC). The objective of this research was to identify the specific factors contributing to this perceived decline in marital authority. The proposed hypothesis suggests that the financial independence of women, institutional acculturation, and conflicts arising from a woman’s unavailability at home due to professional demands are key factors leading husbands to perceive a deficit of authority. To verify this hypothesis and analyze these factors, a functionalist method was employed. Data collection involved interviews with a sample of 60 spouses, complemented by documentary analysis to provide context for the study area.The results of the analysis indicate that:

Financial Dynamics: 41.7% of couples where women contribute to household expenses experience a crisis regarding marital authority. Institutional Influence: Households where women have undergone training on new social norms specifically gender equality ideology (33.3%) and the promotion of women’s rights (33.3%) report significant challenges. Professional Demands: The deficit is most notable in households where women perform field missions (58.3%), leading to the disruption of family routines (16.7%) and requiring husbands to assume domestic roles (16.7%). Subjective Perception: Marital authority deficit is often a subjective perception by the husband rather than an objective reality; 50% of husbands feel social pressure based on the perspective of those around them (friends, in-laws), followed by stigmatization (25%). Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed to ensure family balance:To Couples: Promote “transversal communication” by transitioning from “vertical” authority (absolute head of household) to “horizontal” or participatory management. Couples should also negotiate and redefine domestic tasks to balance the mental and professional load of women working in NGOs.To NGOs (Employers): Implement family support programs, including awareness sessions on work-life balance that involve spouses to break stereotypes regarding women’s salaries. Additionally, establish psychological support spaces for employees facing domestic tensions related to their socio-economic status.

Keywords: Factors, authority deficit, marital, women’s households, working, NGO, Bunia (DRC).

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