Saturday 31 January 2015

Commissioner Aisha addresses the Press on Enhancing Women’s Participation and Representation in Decision Making Structures in Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 2015 : H.E. Dr Aisha Laraba Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union on 28th January 2015 briefed the media on enhancing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    women’s participation and representation in Decision making structures in Africa.

Description: Press Briefing of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, 28 January 2015The commissioner exhaustively discussed important structures in order to successfully enhance women’s empowerment and representation in Africa. This includes a gender sensitive Constitution, a gender responsive legal and institutional framework for promoting women’s participation and representation. Political leadership and commitment at the highest level of government has been found to be critical.

Furthermore, Commissioner Abdullahi emphasized on gender sensitive and gender responsive policies, strategies and programs. To achieve this, she said it is necessary to have gender machineries’ such as a dedicated ministry and gender desks in various public institutions. The Commissioner encouraged the concept of organized women’s movement working in close collaboration with civil society and the media engaging in lobby, advocacy for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

“Socio-economic empowerment of women is also key in enhancing of women’s participation and representation in decision-making process: underscored the Commissioner for Political Affairs. In addition, she highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership guardians especially for the younger women coming up.
SHB/ EAT