The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFAD) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year in the city of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the occasion, the platform of wives of Heads of State will take stock of two decades of actions undertaken in favor of the most vulnerable African communities.
Founded in 2002 by 37 African First Ladies, OPDAD seeks to contribute to the health and well-being of children, youth and women through advocacy, resource mobilization and strategic partnerships. This year, the organization will officially launch the “unifying campaign for the achievement of gender equality in Africa”, with four priority areas: education, health, empowerment and the fight against violence against women and To the girls.
For Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, Vice-President of OPDAD and First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is high time to act for the achievement of gender equality on the continent. She stressed the importance of “capitalizing on the collective influence of First Ladies to drive bold transformations and build a future where every African can thrive.”
More than 500 participants, including heads of state and representatives of civil society, are expected at this four-day event. The highlights will be a plenary conference organized at the People’s Palace, the creation for the occasion of an OPDAD village and an exceptional anniversary evening with an auction for the benefit of the platform. The festivities will begin on June 15.
OPDAD’s mission is at the heart of the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where gender inequalities remain glaring, according to a study by UCOFEM. Other challenges awaiting the country include the fight against armed groups, insecurity, economic and social challenges and the implementation of measures to combat violence in the east of the country.
OPDAD is determined to contribute effectively to the resolution of these problems by federating the actions of African First Ladies. Its Kinshasa event represents a great opportunity to reflect together on these issues for the future of Africa.