By Jumai Ahmadu
Addressing social norms and stereotypes that have over the years impeded naturally inbuilt women’s potentials of not just being managers and stabilisers in the family, but, also, great contributors to a nation’s socio-economic development is very necessary. The power of investment in African women, through promoting growth, stability and development, is akin to investment in nation.
Hence governments of African states have been tasked to prioritise women and gender inclusion in policy making process such that it will create a pathway and cornerstone of actions by government and development partners. African women should liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local and international NGOs to have mechanisms to interface with industry experts in ICT, media and entertainment in their respective countries in order to instigate deliberate policies on gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment.
Respective Heads of Governments
in Africa, West African States in particular should work towards the
establishment of a West African Shipping Line that will create greater and
better economic opportunities for African women in various sectors towards
empowerment in transportation sector. African Governments are also charged to
invest in girls’ aspiration to develop a career in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM), while noting the need to close the gender
gap in the career of STEM, as well as open more opportunities of comparative
advantage to female folks in the field of STEM.
The private sector should
participate and continue to take the lead in the promotion of gender equality
in STEM programmes, while supporting governments to develop deliberate policies
to break barriers in gender inequality in the science, tech and engineering
career.
All these are part of
communiqué issued at the end of 6th Africa Women Conference (AWC) recently held
at Sir Dawda Karaibe Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The
Gambia. The theme of the conference: “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment
and Gender Inclusion Through the Media, ICT and Entertainment Industries”
attracted thought provoking paper presentations from diverse backgrounds and
experiences on global issues of gender disparity; gender discrimination; gender
equal opportunity; sexual and reproductive health of the African woman; child
marriage; sexual abuse and a host of other related subjects militating against
women empowerment and development in Africa.
Women and girls are also
encouraged to play more active roles in Information, Communication and
Technology (ICT) development and emphasised the need for solidarity and
networking amongst women of influence, power and authority. Movie
stars/professionals, music artists and other celebrities are no doubt
influential in enthroning exemplary leadership as many of them play vital roles
in shaping opinions and lifestyles of their fans through their respective
callings. The conference, therefore, appealed to their sentiments to always be
good ambassadors to the youth through quality representation.
Governments
of African states have been tasked to prioritise women and gender inclusion in
policy making process such that it will create a pathway and cornerstone of
actions by government and development partners. African women should liaise
with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local and
international NGOs to have mechanisms to interface with industry experts in
ICT, media and entertainment in their respective countries in order to
instigate deliberate policies on gender inclusion and women’s economic
empowerment.
Respective Heads of Governments
in Africa, West African States in particular should work towards the
establishment of a West African Shipping Line that will create greater and
better economic opportunities for African women in various sectors towards
empowerment in transportation sector. African Governments are also charged to
invest in girls’ aspiration to develop a career in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM), while noting the need to close the gender
gap in the career of STEM, as well as open more opportunities of comparative
advantage to female folks in the field of STEM.
African women and men who are
undergoing the challenges of infertility should seek help through Assisted
Reproductive Technology System in order to fight the social trauma associated
with infertility. The psychology of infertility often results in emotional
violence which puts the African women at the receiving end. All stakeholders
should use ICT, the media and entertainment industry to spread the message of
Assisted Reproductive Technology System to fight the menace of stigmatisation.
Therefore, despite advocacy
efforts by various organisations, there is the resolve also that it must
continually advocate for social justice and the empowerment of women.
*Dr. Ahmadu, Ag. Director, FCT Reform
Coordination & Service Improvement Department
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