Article: “The First Ladies of Africa mobilized for gender equality”
Each year, the United Nations General Assembly provides a forum for African First Ladies to discuss the future of their organization. This year, Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD), welcomed Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Vice President of the OPDAD, during this meeting.
Gender equality in Africa was at the heart of discussions during this General Assembly. Titled “We are all equal: closing the gender gap in Africa”, the conference focused on actions undertaken in African countries to promote education, maternal and child health, economic empowerment of women, the fight against gender-based violence and the strengthening of female leadership.
Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi spoke at this event to recall the 10 commitments made by the First Ladies of Africa to bridge the gender gap. She stressed the importance of not letting these commitments fall into inaction and called for collective accountability, as future generations will judge their actions in favor of gender equality.
The presence of Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States of America, during this General Assembly was noted and welcomed. She is committed to working alongside the First Ladies of Africa to combat all forms of discrimination against women.
The unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa, launched last June on the occasion of the celebration of 20 years of OPDAD in Kinshasa, was reviewed during this General Assembly. The results obtained were discussed and new perspectives for the future were considered.
This campaign took place in several African countries and aims to improve the well-being of the continent by promoting gender equality and combating inequalities and discrimination.
Africa’s First Ladies continue to play an important role in promoting gender equality and achieving a more equitable and inclusive future for all. Their commitment and mobilization are essential to advance the cause of gender equality in Africa and around the world.