Gender Norms Etiquette in Congo

In everyday public life, men are generally expected to take the lead in conversation, money matters, and dealing with strangers, while women are often expected to be more reserved and to handle much of the family and household work. In cities this is changing, but in many communities older gender roles still shape how people dress, greet, and divide responsibilities, so a traveler will usually be safest by being polite, not overly familiar, and following the lead of local hosts.