The 2021 UN General Assembly of African First Ladies: a gathering for gender equality
Each year, the United Nations General Assembly provides a platform for First Ladies from around the world to exchange and discuss the future of their respective organizations and countries. This year’s edition was marked by the presence of Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD), as well as Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo and vice-president of OPDAD.
Under the theme “We are all equal: Closing the gender gap in Africa”, the First Ladies reviewed the results of the unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa, launched last June during the 20th anniversary celebration of OPDAD in Kinshasa. They shared the actions implemented in their respective countries, particularly in the areas of education, maternal and child health, women’s economic empowerment, the fight against gender-based violence and leadership. feminine.
Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, in her speech, recalled the 10 commitments made with her peers to bridge the gender gap in Africa. She stressed the importance of not sacrificing these commitments on the altar of inaction, because future generations will judge us.
The presence of Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, also marked this meeting. Invited by OPDAD, she committed herself alongside the First Ladies of Africa to fighting all forms of discrimination against women.
The unifying campaign, which ended on September 14, was reviewed during discussions in New York. This campaign, which has been implemented in several African countries, aims to improve the well-being of the continent by actively working towards gender equality.
This gathering of African First Ladies at the UN General Assembly is a unique opportunity to share good practices, establish partnerships and find innovative solutions to promote gender equality on the continent. It demonstrates the commitment of the First Ladies to working together to build a better future for all African citizens.
In conclusion, the 2021 UN General Assembly of First Ladies of Africa was an opportunity to take stock of the unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa and to highlight the actions carried out in the various country. This event demonstrates the importance given by First Ladies to promoting gender equality and defending women’s rights. This is a crucial step in the fight for a more equitable and inclusive world.