The Africa Women Want Post 2015

Thursday, 01 November 2012 00:00
Over the course of two days 21st to 22nd October 2012, representatives of regional, sub regional, national and grassroots women’s organizations and networks gathered in Monrovia to reflect on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), deliberate on the lessons learned and asses the progress made on women’s rights across Africa in light of the on-going consultations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
African Women’s Organizations recognized the significant advances that have been made towards the achievement of MDG’s. They were however concerned that little focus has been placed on the qualitative aspects concerning gender equality and women’s rights. They further noted with concern the exclusion of critical development factors such as human capabilities, climate change and peace and security. Most importantly, they expressed their concern that the current framework has failed to effectively address horizontal and vertical inequalities within and across Africa.
African Civil Society Organizations that met in Monrovia had the opportunity to present their recommendations to the President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who is also one of the three co-chairs of the High Level Panel of Eminent Persons constituted by the UN Secretary General. “I salute your emphasis on citizen engagement” remarked Sirleaf, adding that there was a need to “think differently and holistically and amplify the voice and aspirations of Africa”.
The High Level Panel was urged to ensure that the post 2015 development framework is firmly grounded in Human and Women’s rights principles, and ensure effective participation of women in national and thematic consultations that are set to take place in 24 African countries before January 2013. The Panel is expected to submit the final report from those consultations to the UN General Assembly in February 2013.
To ensure effective representation of women and women issues, women organizations and activists at national level are called upon to reflect on their experiences with the MDGs. Crucially, they should convene, harmonize their views and identify some of the priority issues to present to the panel during the national and thematic consultation processes. Dialogue and coordination is encouraged to ensure that women speak with a unified and strong voice during the forums.
For further information visit: World We Want Post 2015
PRESS CONTACT: Naisola Likimani, Head of Advocacy, FEMNET. advocacy@femnet.or.ke. +254 725.766932
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