MenEngage Africa Alliance (MEA) and Sonke Gender Justice joins the world and the Africa region in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme Invest in women: Accelerate progress.
MEA and Sonke steps forward in solidarity, support, and commitment to work for gender equality by 2030 and the advancement of women and girls in all spheres of life. Investing in women requires policies, structures, institutions, and services to align in the quest to address the following: gender gaps in earnings, unresponsive financial institutions and global markets, women underrepresentation in business and financial sector leadership as well as lack of ownership of the means of production. This will facilitate advancement of women and girls in social, economic, cultural, and political development.
“International Women’s Day is an important day for gender transformative interventions. It provides singular focus globally on all key stakeholders to take stock on progress made in the gender agenda. It is gratifying to see that numerous countries in our region take this day seriously with several having declared the day as a public holiday’’ says Bafana Khumalo, Sonke Gender Justice, Co-Executive Director, and member of the MenEngage Secretariat.
MEA and Sonke call upon the political, financial, investment and corporate leadership in Africa to increase efforts to invest in women and girls and advance policies that promote inclusion and gender equality including addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices.“Embracing gender-responsive budgeting is a crucial step towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all Africans” David Ntambiye, Chairperson of Rwanda Men Engage Network.
Weighing in on the importance of this day, Narcisse Komivi Kotiko, Chair of MenEngage Togo says it is an opportunity for ‘’reflection on fairness, equality and therefore the promotion of women in Togo.’’ While Manirakoze Edouard Omar, Chairperson, MenEngage Burundi urges African leaders ‘’to heed the call of ending gender-based violence and injustices’’.
Tebi Honourine Azoh, Chairperson of MEA Cameroon believes ‘’Investment in violent prevention encompass a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of violence and aims to create safer and more peaceful communities.’’
Sustainable Development Goals place emphasis on the importance of Gender Responsive Budgeting in economic development, as such, MEA and Sonke believe there is a need for women empowerment centered policies and public financial management systems that protects rights of women and girls.
Dehab Mustefa, MEA Chairperson, of Ethiopia says the benefits for GRB can be immense in accelerating progress for women. “This can pave the way to improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare for women and girls, as well as greater economic opportunities and participation in leadership and decision-making processes. Gender-responsive budgeting can also contribute to overall Sustainable development goals in Africa by promoting more efficient and effective use of resources.”
There is greater need to address gender gaps in earnings, towards equal remuneration for work of equal value. “African governments and leaders must work towards strengthening partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, UN Agencies and local communities for the promotion of gender equality and equity” adds Michael Gatluak, of MenEngage South Sudan.
“The voice of women and girls in leadership, should be heard, listened to, and accorded space to meaningfully engage and define its own economic and political development. The task for African leadership in promoting gender equality begins with this premise and the need to increase political will and representation by actively appointing women to leadership positions in government, institutions, and organizations” Babatunde Omosebi, Chairperson, MenEngage Nigeria, emphasizes.
This International Women’s Day, MEA and Sonke recommends gender sensitive public-private partnerships as an important element of investing in women and girls by mobilizing gender sensitive private capital towards technologies and public infrastructure that work for women and girls. This should be promoted through legal and regulatory frameworks.
Issued by Men Engage Africa Alliance
For Media queries contact
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice, +27748574254 or [email protected]
Notes to Editors
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence, and question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 24 country networks spread across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively towards advancing gender justice, human rights, and social justice in key thematic areas, including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender based violence (GBV), HIV prevention, Child rights, positive parenting, and promoting peace on the continent.
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation.