The General Assembly of First Ladies of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD) recently brought together many personalities for crucial discussions on gender equality in Africa. Under the theme “We are all equal: Closing the gender gap in Africa”, the First Ladies exchanged their experiences and actions undertaken in their respective countries to promote education, maternal and child health, economic empowerment of women and the fight against gender-based sexual violence.
The vice-president of OPDAD, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressed the importance of not abandoning commitments made in favor of gender equality. She called for collective accountability and insisted that future generations will judge us based on our present actions.
A notable moment of this General Assembly was the presence of Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States of America, who committed herself alongside African First Ladies in the fight against all forms of discrimination against women.
The unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa was assessed at this General Assembly, opening new perspectives for the future. It is worth noting that this campaign has been implemented in several African countries with the aim of improving the well-being of the continent.
These discussions and commitments help pave the way for new actions and initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in Africa. It is essential that First Ladies continue to work together, with the support of international organizations and civil society, to create a more equal and inclusive future for all. Together, we can make a difference and build a continent where gender equality is a reality.