Commissioner Aisha addresses the Press on Enhancing Women’s Participation and Representation in Decision Making Structures in Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 28 January 2015 : H.E. Dr Aisha Laraba Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union on 28th January 2015 briefed the media on women’s participation and representation in Decision making structures in Africa.
The commissioner exhaustively discussed important structures in order to successfully enhance women’s empowerment and representation in Africa. This includes a gender sensitive Constitution, a gender responsive legal and institutional framework for promoting women’s participation and representation. Political leadership and commitment at the highest level of government has been found to be critical.
Furthermore, Commissioner Abdullahi emphasized on gender sensitive and gender responsive policies, strategies and programs. To achieve this, she said it is necessary to have gender machineries’ such as a dedicated ministry and gender desks in various public institutions. The Commissioner encouraged the concept of organized women’s movement working in close collaboration with civil society and the media engaging in lobby, advocacy for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
“Socio-economic empowerment of women is also key in enhancing of women’s participation and representation in decision-making process: underscored the Commissioner for Political Affairs. In addition, she highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership guardians especially for the younger women coming up.
FRENCH VERSION
Addis-Abeba, Ethiopie, 28 janvier 2015: S.E. Dr Aisha LarabaAbdullahi, Commissaire aux affaires politiques de l’Unionafricaine sur 28 janvier 2015 a informé les médias sur laparticipation des femmes et la représentation dans le processusdécisionnel des structures en Afrique.
