News: The First Ladies of Africa are mobilizing to promote gender equality
Each year, the UN General Assembly brings together the First Ladies of the African continent to discuss the future of their organization within the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD). This year, the meeting highlighted the unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa, launched last June during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of OPDAD in Kinshasa.
As part of this meeting entitled “We are all equal: Bridging the gender gap in Africa”, the First Ladies shared the actions taken in their respective countries to promote gender equality. Among the areas covered were education, maternal and child health, women’s economic empowerment, the fight against gender-based sexual violence, as well as strengthening women’s leadership for greater equity.
Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the DRC and vice-president of OPDAD, recalled the 10 commitments made by First Ladies to close 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.
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, invited by OPDAD, joined forces with the First Ladies of Africa to fight against all forms of discrimination against women.
The unifying campaign for gender equality, which ended on September 14, was reviewed during the discussions in New York. This campaign took place in several African countries with the aim of improving the well-being of the continent.
In conclusion, this meeting of African First Ladies at the UN General Assembly highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality on the continent. The First Ladies shared actions taken in their respective countries and made concrete commitments to close the gender gap. The presence of Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, reinforced international commitment to gender equality. The unifying campaign for gender equality in Africa was evaluated and new perspectives were considered to continue promoting this essential cause for the development of the continent.
Note: This article is an original creation and is not a translation or plagiarism of an existing article.