The 20th anniversary celebration of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLA) marked an important day for the future of Africa. The meeting of this organization made it possible to take stock of two decades of actions carried out to meet the development challenges of the African continent.
The various first ladies were able to illustrate the concrete achievements undertaken collectively and in their own respective countries. Among the emblematic projects of the Organization are the hemispheric campaign “Free to Shine”, which aims to prevent the death of mothers and prevent HIV infection in children, as well as the campaigns “Against Women’s reproductive system cancers in Africa” and “Ending child marriage”.
This event was celebrated under the theme “20 years serving the most vulnerable in Africa”. Twelve (12) First Ladies of Africa, key partners who have witnessed the Organization’s actions, such as the various specialized agencies of the United Nations, as well as representatives of civil society, took part in this celebration.
In addition to the official ceremony, the day was also devoted to cultural awakening, with the discovery and appreciation of Congolese culture in all its diversity. The festivities also included a fundraising ceremony and the auction of numerous charitable objects, much to the delight of the participants.
OPDAD’s commitment to the vulnerable in Africa, which has made it possible to put in place a strategic plan aligned with the African Union’s 2063 agenda, would not be complete without the active participation of all stakeholders, including including the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi. Indeed, the President is committed to supporting the actions of OPDAD to advance the cause of women in Africa.
In short, this celebration made it possible to draw up a positive assessment of the actions carried out to help the most vulnerable in Africa. The time is now to project for the next 20 years with much more serenity, courage and abnegation with a high sense of urgency and responsibility.