Gender equality, women’s rights key to Africa’s progress, says Nigeria’s Presidency
Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on African First Ladies Peace Mission, Dr Mairo Al-Makura, said that gender equality and women’s rights were fundamental to Africa’s progress in peace and security.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the International Women’s Day, Al-Makura said. “The African First Ladies Peace Mission celebrates African women who continually play a crucial role in furthering peace on the continent.”
She however warned that: “We must not lose sight that gender equality and women’s rights are fundamental to the continent’s progress in Peace, security and human rights.”
Al-Makura, while emphasizing that African First Ladies Peace Mission continues to advocate the right to peace and protection for all women and girls across Africa, said: “The development of Africa cannot be achieved without women’s efforts and contributions.”
She urged that on the International Women’s Day, African women and girls should be empowered and encouraged to ensure their participation in all decision-making levels.
She said though tremendous progress on women’s rights and leadership had been seen over the last few years, yet the COVID-19 pandemic was threatening to reverse the gains that had been made.
She lamented that the pandemic had disproportionally impacted women in many areas, particularly gender-based and conflict-related violence against women and girls.
She said. “To ensure that the COVID-19 response and recovery acknowledges their realities, women need to have a seat at the decision-making table.”
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