Events
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June 14, 2015Women are special breed, there’s no task which women cannot do - President Robert MugabeWomen are special breed, there’s no task which women cannot do - President Robert Mugabe
Johannesburg, South Africa - 14 June 2015: “Whenever I think of the virtues and the indomitable spirit that epitomizes the African woman, I am reminded of the heroines across the African continent, who stood up against the forces of colonialism and occupation,” President Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe and current Chairperson of the African Union said as he described the heroics of the African woman. He was addressing the opening ceremony of the 25th Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government, on Sunday 14 June 2015, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
During his address, President Mugabe recounted the important role played by women for many years, while acknowledging the need for more to be done in line with the AU theme for the year, “Women’s empowerment and development towards Agenda 2063.”
He cited the examples of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, amongst others, whom he described as trailblazers and living testimonies of women leadership. He cited the role they played in the fight against Ebola, adding that today Liberia is free of Ebola.
President Mugabe, however, said though much had been achieved, a lot more still needs to be done, particularly in the areas of economic empowerment and decision-making. He expressed the wish to see the Summit engaging in open and frank discussions aimed at empowering the women of Africa.
On her part, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma reflected on a number of issues, including the opportunities presented by Africa’s Agenda 2063, lessons learned from the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, the blue economy, its demography especially with women and youth constituting a greater majority of the population. She highlighted the need for the continent to remain focused on its transformation agenda, to ensure that the continent achieves its vision of “an integrated, prosperous, peaceful and people-centered Africa which is a dynamic force in the world.”
After congratulating President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Dlamini Zuma reflected on the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, which has been stopped in Liberia, but is still affecting Guinea and Sierra Leone. The AU Commission Chairperson said the lesson learned from the epedemic is that, “with African solidarity and resolve, we can find our own solutions to our challenges.” She said the disease exposed the weaknesses of Africa’s health systems, especially public health, noting the need to train more health workers, and build and strengthen Africa’s health systems and infrastructure.
During the opening ceremony, the AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to present tillers to the Heads of State and Government. She said the tillers were meant to replace the handheld hoes that should be sent to the museum, a request that had been made by women farmers during Agenda 2063 consultations. Presenting one tiller each to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and President Macky Sall of Senegal, she invited the other Heads of State and Government to collect theirs to take back home.
South African President Mr. Jacob Zuma, who is host of the summit, delivered the official welcome statement. He called for the realization of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. “The expectations from our people are high and we cannot fail in the implementation of Agenda 2063 to redefine, lead and fund our own development and the future”, he said.
Other speakers at the Summit included Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation; Secretary General of the League of Arab States Mr. Nabil Elaraby; new Heads of State and Government of AU member states such as President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, President Hage Geingob of Namibia, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Outgoing President of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kiwete also addressed the opening of the Summit.
The 25th AU Summit ends on 15th June with the adoption of key decisions and resolutions. A final press conference will be held immediately after the closing ceremony, to which members of the media are invited.
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June 14, 2015Vingt-cinquième Session Ordinaire de la Conférence de l’Union AfricainePress Release Nº04/25TH AU SUMMIT
Women are special breed, there’s no task which women cannot do - President Robert Mugabe
Johannesburg, South Africa - 14 June 2015: “Whenever I think of the virtues and the indomitable spirit that epitomizes the African woman, I am reminded of the heroines across the African continent, who stood up against the forces of colonialism and occupation,” President Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe and current Chairperson of the African Union said as he described the heroics of the African woman. He was addressing the opening ceremony of the 25th Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government, on Sunday 14 June 2015, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
During his address, President Mugabe recounted the important role played by women for many years, while acknowledging the need for more to be done in line with the AU theme for the year, “Women’s empowerment and development towards Agenda 2063.”
He cited the examples of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, amongst others, whom he described as trailblazers and living testimonies of women leadership. He cited the role they played in the fight against Ebola, adding that today Liberia is free of Ebola.
President Mugabe, however, said though much had been achieved, a lot more still needs to be done, particularly in the areas of economic empowerment and decision-making. He expressed the wish to see the Summit engaging in open and frank discussions aimed at empowering the women of Africa.
On her part, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma reflected on a number of issues, including the opportunities presented by Africa’s Agenda 2063, lessons learned from the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, the blue economy, its demography especially with women and youth constituting a greater majority of the population. She highlighted the need for the continent to remain focused on its transformation agenda, to ensure that the continent achieves its vision of “an integrated, prosperous, peaceful and people-centered Africa which is a dynamic force in the world.”
After congratulating President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Dlamini Zuma reflected on the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, which has been stopped in Liberia, but is still affecting Guinea and Sierra Leone. The AU Commission Chairperson said the lesson learned from the epedemic is that, “with African solidarity and resolve, we can find our own solutions to our challenges.” She said the disease exposed the weaknesses of Africa’s health systems, especially public health, noting the need to train more health workers, and build and strengthen Africa’s health systems and infrastructure.
During the opening ceremony, the AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to present tillers to the Heads of State and Government. She said the tillers were meant to replace the handheld hoes that should be sent to the museum, a request that had been made by women farmers during Agenda 2063 consultations. Presenting one tiller each to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and President Macky Sall of Senegal, she invited the other Heads of State and Government to collect theirs to take back home.
South African President Mr. Jacob Zuma, who is host of the summit, delivered the official welcome statement. He called for the realization of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. “The expectations from our people are high and we cannot fail in the implementation of Agenda 2063 to redefine, lead and fund our own development and the future”, he said.
Other speakers at the Summit included Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation; Secretary General of the League of Arab States Mr. Nabil Elaraby; new Heads of State and Government of AU member states such as President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, President Hage Geingob of Namibia, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Outgoing President of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kiwete also addressed the opening of the Summit.
The 25th AU Summit ends on 15th June with the adoption of key decisions and resolutions. A final press conference will be held immediately after the closing ceremony, to which members of the media are invited.
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June 13, 2015AIDS Watch Africa Meeting of Heads of State GovernmentMEDIA ADVISORY - INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
What: -Opening Session of the AIDS Watch Africa Meeting of Heads of State Government
-Press Conference on the outcome of the meetingWhen: 14 June 2015
Opening session: 13:00-13:15 hrs
Press conference: 15:00- 15:30 hrs
Where:
Opening session: Exhibition 1, Ground Floor
Press Conference: Level -2, Sandton Convention CentreWhy: African Heads of State and Government will meet to consider the report of AIDS Watch Africa Member States Experts on AIDS, TB and Malaria responses. The report of the AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) experts highlights key progress and challenges in the implementation of the AU Roadmap and provides key recommendations for addressing AIDS, TB and Malaria.
Who:
Opening Session
- Chairperson of the African Union
- African Heads of State and Government
- Key development partnersPress Conference
H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the AU Commission- Outcome of the AWA Experts Meeting in Africa
Hon. Dr. David Parirenyatwa, Minister of Health and Child Care, Republic of Zimbabwe, Role of AIDS Watch Africa in advocating for AIDS, TB and malaria responses
Mr Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS Executive Director- What it takes to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 in Africa
Dr. Mark Dybul, Global Fund, Executive Director- The importance of Domestic Financing for Health and Global Fund Replenishment
Ms. Joy Phumaphi, ALMA Executive Director- Defeating malaria in Africa
For further information contact
Media contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Media Center Coordinator
Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission
Tel: +27-84-7094277; E: mail: molalett@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
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Learn more at:
http://summits.au.int/en/25thsummitAbout the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/About AIDS Watch Africa
Created at the Abuja 2001 Special Summit, AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) is an Africa-led instrument to stimulate leaders into action and mobilize the resources needed to address AIDS, TB and Malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner. Learn more at www.aidswatchafrica.org -
June 13, 201533rd Session of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) - Sandton Convention Centre,...
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June 13, 2015
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OF THE AUC
Within the framework of the 25th AU Summit Mr. Idriss Adoum, Director of Administration and Human Resources Management; and Mr. Rico Bien, Ag. Head of Human Resources Management Division, AUC will on Saturday 13 June 2015 at 16h00, hold a press briefing on the following issue:
- AU Institutional ReformsThe briefing will be held in the Media Briefing Room (-2 floor), at the Sandton Convention Center, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing
Media contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Media Center Coordinator
Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission
Tel: +27-84-7094277; E: mail: molalett@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommissionLearn more at:
http://summits.au.int/en/25thsummit -
June 12, 2015Conference de presse conjointe Sur le thème : «Hissein Habré devant les Chambres africaines extraordinaires. Quelles...
Date: Vendredi 12 Juin 2015
Heure: 10:00-10:30
Lieu: Sandton Convention Center, Media Briefing Room (-2 floor)
Le Consortium de Sensibilisation sur les Chambres africaines extraordinaires
En collaboration avec
La Direction de l’information et de la Communication de la Commission de l’Union africaine
En 2006, l’Union africaine a demandé au Sénégal de juger Hissein Habré “au nom de l’Afrique”.
Ce 20 Juillet 2015, démarrera le procès à Dakar. L’ancien président du Tchad (1982 - 1990) est poursuivi pour crimes de guerre, crimes contre l’humanité et actes de torture.
Panélistes:
- Prof. Vincent Nmehielle, Conseiller juridique de l’Union africaine,
Président du Comité de pilotage
- Dr. Abdou Khadre LO, Directeur General de Primum Africa Consulting,
Chef de file du Consortium de Sensibilisation sur les Chambres africaines extraordinaires
Modératrice:
Mme Habiba El Mejri Scheikh, Directrice de l’Information et de la Communication de la Commission de l’Union africaine -
June 12, 2015Press Briefing of the Administration and Human Resources Management of the AUC
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OF THE AUC
Within the framework of the 25th AU Summit Mr. Idriss Adoum, Director of Administration and Human Resources Management; and Mr. Rico Bien, Ag. Head of Human Resources Management Division, AUC will on Saturday 13 June 2015 at 16h00, hold a press briefing on the following issue:
- AU Institutional ReformsThe briefing will be held in the Media Briefing Room (-2 floor), at the Sandton Convention Center, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing
Media contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Media Center Coordinator
Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission
Tel: +27-84-7094277; E: mail: molalett@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommissionLearn more at:
http://summits.au.int/en/25thsummit -
June 12, 2015Vingt-cinquième Session Ordinaire de la Conférence de l’Union Africaine
Jun.14.2015 - Jun.15.2015 MEDIA ADVISORY/25th AU SUMMIT
Twenty Fifth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union
What: Twenty Fifth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union
When: 14-15 June 2015
The official opening ceremony will be held on 14th June starting at 11:30am
Highlights for media on the 14th will include:
• Welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa
• H.E. Mr. Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairman of the African Union, declares the beginning of the Session
• AU Anthem by a South African Choir
• Statement by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union
• Statement by H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee
• Opening Statement by H.E. Mr. Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairman of the African Union
• Statements by the newly elected and Outgoing Heads of State and Government )N.B.: list to be confirmed)
• A group photo opportunity will be available immediately after the opening ceremonyHighlights for the 15th June will include
• A press conference by the Chairperson of the Union and the Chairperson of the Commission will take place immediately after the closing ceremony of the Assembly sessionWho: The Assembly will be attended by Heads of State and Government (or their representatives) of the 54 AU member states
Where: The Pavillion. 5th Floor. Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Objectives: The Assembly will discuss the theme of the summit i.e. Year of Women Empowerment and Development Towards Agenda 2063. The Heads of State and Government will adopt the budget of the AU, consider the report of the ministerial retreat on the first ten year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, consider the report of the ad hoc ministerial committee on the scale of assessment, and discuss the issue of integration with a focus on free movement of people, goods and services.
Other reports to be considered by the Heads of State and Government during their meeting will include:
• Report of the AU Commission on the Ebola Crisis
• Report of the Peace and Security Council on its activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa, including Terrorism, Radical Extremism and Africa’s Response
• Governance (with focus on African Governance Architecture and Elections)
• Report of the Commission on the Situation in Middle East and PalestineThe Assembly will appoint 6 members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) and 3 members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
After discussing some issues raised by member states, the leaders will proceed to adopt the decisions and recommendations of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council before adopting the decisions and declarations of the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly.
On the 15th of June, a final press conference will be held soon after the closing ceremony of the summit. All media personnel are invited to the press conference.
Media contact:
Mrs Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Communication and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | EthiopiaJoin the conversation on the 25th AU Summit following our hashtags #25thAUSummit, #women4agenda2063.
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 11, 2015Sommet des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement du NEPAD & Conférence de presse Présidentiel dirigée par le Président...
Media Advisory
NEPAD Heads of State and Government Summit
&
Presidential Press Briefing Chaired by President Macky SallWHAT: Media is invited to attend the official opening of the 33th NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) meeting at the 25th African Union Summit in Sandton, South Africa. The HSGOC meeting will be followed by a press after the closing ceremony chaired by President of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall.
WHEN: Saturday, 13 June 2015
Opening of HSGOC meeting: 10:00 – 10:40
Press Briefing: 12:00 – 12:30WHO:
• Opening - H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC)
• Welcome Remarks - H.E. Jacob ZUMA, President of the Republic of South Africa
• Statement - H.E. Robert MUGABE, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the African Union
• Statement - H.E. Muhammadu BUHARI, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Statement - H.E. Dr. Nkosazana DLAMINI ZUMA, Chairperson of African Union CommissionPress briefing:
• Chair - H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chairperson of the HSGOC
• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim MAYAKI, NEPAD Agency Chief Executive Officer and Interim CEO ofAfrican Peer Review Mechanism
• Other Heads of State (TBC)
WHERE: Ballroom 1B, 2nd Floor, Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa
Background Information:
Twenty African leaders who make up the membership of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee - HSGOC will meet in Sandton ahead of the 25th AU Assembly. The HSGOC provides leadership to the NEPAD process and sets policies, priorities and the programmes of action. The 20-member committee includes the five founding countries of NEPAD – Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt.
On the agenda:
• Economic empowerment of African women
• Financing of Africa’s regional infrastructure
• Agenda 2063To collect your media badge and arrange interviews, please contact:
Abiola Ajayi
NEPAD Communications
2nd Floor, NEPAD exhibition
abiolaa@nepad.org
+27 767461272Tankou Azaa Esther Yambou
AUC Communications
Media Centre -2 Floor
YambouE@africa-union.org -
June 11, 2015Press briefing of the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy (Friday 12 June 2015 at 15h00)
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGYWithin the framework of the 25th AU Summit H.E Dr. Elham Mahmood Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, AUC will on Friday 12 June 2015 at 15h00, hold a press briefing on the following issues:
- Africa single air transport market
- Developing infrastructure for empowering women
- Africa’s energy development & climate changeThe briefing will be held in the Media Briefing Room (-2 floor), at the Sandton Convention Center, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing
Media contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke; Media Center Coordinator Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission
Tel: +27-84-7094277; E: mail: molalett@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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http://summits.au.int/en/25thsummit -
June 11, 2015“High Level Panel on Women, Peace and Security” (12 June 2015)
What: High Level Panel on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
When: 12 June 2015
Who: The Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)
Where: Sandton Conviention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Objectives: The High Level Panel aims to reinvigorate the mobilization of AU Member States to implement the commitments made through various instruments such as the Maputo protocol, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality, UNSC 1325 and hence transform the lives of Women and girls on the continent and catalyze their contribution to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Africa.
Specific Objectives: The specific objectives include:
- Identify and Mobilize Champions on WPS Agenda;
- Strengthen commitment to solutions;
- Mobilize support for continental Framework;
- Develop partnerships for WPS agenda in Africa;
Expected Outcome:
- Raised awareness on the issues of women, peace and security in Africa;
- Share best practices to stimulate wider actions on WPS agenda;
- Commitment to strengthen capacity through the creation of WPS regional Centres of excellence on the continent by 2020;
- North-South University partnership for training, research and service to community on WPS;Participants: The High level Panel will be attended by High Ranking Personalities from AU Member States, AUC, UK, UN, International Organisations, Private Sector, Media, Women’s Groups, and universities.
o A specific session will be dedicated to the Youth at the University of Pretoria on the role of women in peace building.
Background:
The African Union has declared the Year 2015 as “Year for Women Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”. In stakeholders’ consultations held on the margins of the 24th Ordinary Session of Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union, participants noted that the implementation of existing gender equality and women’s empowerment instruments has been painfully slow and that despite considerable progress, women and girls continue to bear the brunt of conflicts in Africa and to be marginalized in processes to build peaceful societies. Hence, there is a need to shift to action and move into an acceleration gear so as to achieve a transformational change for women and girls in Africa. Participants identified six key areas of priority that need to be focused on towards that endeavor. These are the following:
- Transform Agriculture through the mechanization of women’s work to reduce burden and increase productivity, income and autonomy;
- Economic empowerment through financial inclusion;
- Education;
- Health;
- Peace and Security;
- Political participation;
Within the Peace and Security Priority, action need to be focused from now onwards on ensuring that women are at the Peace table to silence the guns on the continent. This would entail the recognition and amplification of the role of women in early warning mechanisms to prevent violence, promote gender equality at the peace table and invest in centers of excellence to build a critical mass of peace builders across the continent.
It is in this perspective that the Chairperson of the African Union Commission HE Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will convene a High Level Panel on women, Peace and Security Agenda on the margins of the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union scheduled for June 2015 in the Republic of South Africa.Media representatives are invited to cover the meeting.
Media contact:
Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division| Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Tel: +251911361185 | E-mail: Yamboue@africa-union.orgJoin the conversation on the 25th AU Summit following our hashtags #25thAUSummit, #women4agenda2063.
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 11, 2015High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment calls for financial inclusion of women in agri-business
Press Release
High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment calls for financial inclusion of women in agri-business
“Where a woman rules, streams run uphill” Ethiopian Proverb
June 11-Sandton, South Africa-2015 is the African Union declared "Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063."Women play a cardinal role in any country‟s economy and the African Union Commission has called for enhanced efforts to financially empower more women in agribusiness.
Speaking yesterday at the opening of the 2nd African Union High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women‟s Empowerment, The African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, represented by AUC Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace said more than 70 percent of women in Africa are victims of financial exclusion.
“African women face many barriers in accessing financial services, including the constraints of time and mobility, illiteracy, legal and cultural constraints and sexual discrimination,‟‟ she said.
Organised by the AUC‟s Women, Gender and Development Directorate, in collaboration with the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture and development partners, the High Level Panel, themed, „Financial Inclusion of Women in Agribusiness,‟ is being held at the margins of the 25th Ordinary Session of the AU Heads of State and Government Summit and is one of six priority areas identified in January 2015 by the AU Commission to be implemented during the year.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma emphasised the importance of the relationship between women empowerment and the development of Africa, which is key to Agenda 2063.
This year‟s theme builds on the outcomes of last year‟s AU declared Year of Agriculture and Food security, which concluded with the AU Heads of State and Government committing to the Malabo Declaration. The Malabo Declaration on Africa Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation (3AGT); adopted seven key commitments which are gender cross-cutting.
The Commitments include:
i. Recommitment to the Principles and Values of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Process
ii. Commitment to Enhancing Investment Finance in Agriculture
iii. Commitment to Ending Hunger in Africa by the year 2025
iv. Commitment to agriculture contributing to poverty reduction at least by half by the year 2025, through Inclusive Agricultural Growth and Transformation
v. Commitment to tripling Intra-African Trade in Agricultural commodities and services, by the year 2025
vi. Commitment to Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Production Systems to Climate Variability and other related risks
vii. Commitment to Mutual Accountability to Actions and ResultsDr.Dlamini- Zuma bemoaned the fact that African women continue to labour in the 21st century with outdated means such as the hoe, the machete, the pestle and mortar as well as the grinding stone.
She expressed the Commission‟s vision that in 2015 and beyond, African women should have access to new technologies and work in a modernized and mechanized agricultural sector to enhance the commitment and vision of the African Union, namely, that the Hand –held hoe should be relegated to agricultural museums!Consequently, the AUC on June 14, 2015 will launch an advocacy campaign during the Summit by handing tillers symbolically to all 54 AU Member States translating the commitment of the countries to mechanize agriculture and reduce the physical and moral suffering of African women.
South Africa‟s Minister in the Presidency Ms. Susan Shabangu noted that Africa‟s Agenda 2063 would be judged by its commitment to gender equality and women‟s empowerment.
She emphasised the need to absorb more women into mainstream economic activities, noting that, “The reality is that a more diverse business has a better understanding of markets that are themselves diverse in terms of gender.”
Media Contact:
Ms. Carol Jilombo
Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture
Jilomboc@africa-union.org