Story by Memory Chamisa
AFRICAN countries have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing gender inequalities and the protection of women and girls against all forms of abuse and discrimination.
This emerged at the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
The meeting which took place at the African Union Building deliberated on ways to explore innovative financing mechanisms including domestic financing in Member states and strategies to address gender-based violence and harmful practices on women and girls.
Some of the Ministers highlighted the significance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in mobilising resources and expertise to tackle these complex issues.
“We continue to work together in ensuring that as Africans our needs are addressed. The problems women face in their respective communities and countries if you notice are still the same hence the need for collective action,” Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Bendu Mahoi said.
“What promulgates GBV is the lack of resources or capacitation especially if the woman is not financially stable, they will be at the receiving end hence the need for financial assistance is important,” Botswana Minister of Youth and Gender, Ms Lesego Chombo said.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the progress African governments have made, Zimbabwe included, noting the need for sustainability in the gains recorded.
“We need to continue to uphold the gains we have recorded and ensure there is sustainability so that gender equality just not becomes rhetoric but is seen across all sectors and spheres of the world,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
In a landmark moment for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has adopted a Political Declaration marking the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
This adoption reinforces a global commitment to accelerating progress toward gender equality, particularly in the face of persistent and emerging challenges related to gender equality.
