As a pre-conference meeting, the aim for the next two days is to discuss rigorously the strategies that will ensure that male leaders make commitments to end Violence Against Women and Girls - EVAWG and gender inequality by enhancing women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion and remain accountable to women and girls in Africa.

This theme comes at the right time as it has been shown that inequalities between men and women continue to be the root cause of violence against women and girls and in particular, inequalities driven by economic disparities. To this end The African Union has declared 2020-2030 the Decade of Financial and Economic Inclusion for African Women, and we have seen promising initiatives ranging from offering women financing and credit solutions, and support for women's groups and networks of female entrepreneurs.

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 calls for the allocation of at least 25 percent of public procurement to be allocated to women-owned businesses and that at least 25 percent of annual public procurement at national and sub-national levels are awarded to women. This buttresses our continued commitment towards the practical economic empowerment of women and girls.

Recognizing that violence against women, including economic violence, seriously violates and impairs the enjoyment by women and girls of their fundamental rights, in particular their security, freedom, dignity, physical and emotional integrity, we look forward to the deeper conversations you will be having on this particular thematic to come up with concrete proposals and recommendations for the development of the AU EVAWG Convention.

As we reflect on the tenants of an AU EVAWG Convention, it is my hope that our deliberations will generate insights for the resolution of the challenges facing implementation of EVAWG instruments at the microlevel.

We must come up with practical recipes to make sure that the policies taken at the macro-level are contextualized, domesticated, translated into action, mainstreamed in national plans and budgets, and regularly reported on. This will be a credible way to demonstrate to the women and girls of Africa our commitment to accountability and transparency in EVAWG initiatives.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Allow me to emphasize that among our objectives today is to follow up on the progress of implementation of the commitments made by Heads of State and Government during the 1st and 2nd AU Men’s Conference and take stock of actions by male leaders in EVAWG. Let us be open and be comprehensive about the needs of women during these discussions because our deliberations will be Integrated into the outcome document of the 3rd Men’s Conference, and its recommendations aligned with the AU Position Paper on Positive Masculinity.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

 Let’s continue working together to enhance women’s financial inclusion, to end discrimination and all forms of violence against women and girls in Africa.

I take this opportunity on behalf of the AUC Chairperson and myself, to amplify the unwavering support and cooperation of the African Union to continue to strengthen our partnership and our joint commitment to build the Africa we Want.

I must commend you, Excellency Chairperson of the African Union for spearheading the Union and delivering on the mandate of the continent so brilliantly. The women of Africa commend you!