Media Statement
For Immediate Release
25 May 2018
Gender Equality
and Women Empowerment Must Be Prioritised By All Humanity.
As the world commemorates Africa Day – this day should
serve as a reflection on the continents commitments to nurture greater unity
and solidarity between African countries, and accelerate the political and
socio-economic integration of Africa.
This year’s Africa Day celebrations come at a time
where most African states across the continent have committed themselves to
greater economic integration by adopting the African Continental Free Trade
Area (ACFTA)
agreement. This is a momentous step towards promoting intra-African trade,
and fostering economic diversification on the continent.
Whilst PAWO welcomes these momentous steps, it is also
worth noting, that although significant progress is being made to disembowel
the economic vestiges of colonialism, little progress has been made in
implementing agreed AU policies by member states to address gender inequality.
Pinky Kekana said, "Substantial progress has been made toward the advancement of women’s rights
and female political participation at both the national and regional levels in
many African states. Nonetheless, African women, still endure inconceivable
economic, social, and cultural encounters, particularly regarding healthcare
and education. Over the last ten years data has revealed that African women also
own less than 1% of the African continent’s landmass and women farmers receive
only 1% of total credit to agriculture, and have fewer economic rights and
lower access to economic opportunities, including land and credit facilities.
Women are also vulnerable to preventable diseases, 74.2% of all AIDS deaths in
the world with women accounted for 57% in Africa."
"Accordingly, we call upon the AU and other regional
bodies create enforceable mechanisms to achieve Gender Equality as espoused in
Agenda 2063."added Pinky Kekana.
The extent to which the ACFTA succeeds in advancing
the unity and development of Africa will and correctly should be judged based
on the positive impact in improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of
our society – women and children and addresses gender inequality.
The Pan African Women’s Organisations wishes all
Africans here at home and in the Diaspora a Happy Africa Day.
Issued by
Pinky Kekana
Pan-African Women Organisation
Secretary General
Enquiries
Chrispin Phiri
+27 (0) 83 220 9691
The Pan-African Women Organisation was created on 31 July 1962 in Dar Es Salam, the United Republic of Tanzania. It
was the first continental women’s organisation. One of the main aims of
forming PAWO was to mobilize women to fight for their liberation
especially in countries that were still colonized. Today, it aims to ensure that it remains a relevant and strong voice of women, in Africa and the world.
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