News: The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD) meets at the UN General Assembly
Each year, the United Nations General Assembly offers the First Ladies of the world a platform for exchange and discussion on the future of their organization. This year, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD) reviewed the results of its unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa.
Under the theme “We are all equal: Bridging the gender gap in Africa”, the First Ladies discussed the actions taken in their respective countries to promote education, maternal and child health, women’s economic empowerment, the fight against gender-based sexual violence, as well as female leadership for more equity.
The vice-president of OPDAD, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, recalled during her speech the 10 commitments made with her peers to close the gender gap in Africa. She stressed the importance of not sacrificing these commitments in the face of inaction, because future generations will judge us.
In a statement published by POLITICO.CD, Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, demonstrated her commitment alongside the First Ladies of Africa to combat all forms of discrimination against women.
The unifying campaign, which ended last September, was evaluated during the discussions in New York. This campaign, carried out in several African countries, aimed to improve the well-being of the continent.
In conclusion, the UN General Assembly was an opportunity for OPDAD to take stock of its campaign for gender equality in Africa. The First Ladies shared actions taken in their respective countries and renewed their commitment to closing the gender gap. This gathering demonstrated the importance of international cooperation to promote gender equality and advance Africa’s development.