Experts call for a transformative agenda to promote gender equality

Experts believe there is need for a transformative agenda on the African continent that will further augment women’s participation in political processes as well as in socio economic development of the countries.

This means that countries will not only focus on creating numbers for women to fill positions in leaderships areas but also look at the roles such women can play.

“It’s not about representation but also the agenda women have to undertake,” said Her Excellency Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, peace and security.

Speaking at the two day 4th high’s level dialogue on democracy, human rights and governance in Africa held in Kigali on Monday, Diop said the agenda should create an environment that allows women to participate in political process.

“And this transformation must be undertaken while also taking into account of protecting their rights,” she said

Oda Gasinzigwa

 Oda Gasinzigwa Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion says governments need to create an ideology as well as mechanisms that will help women join mainstream political process.

“There must be mechanisms in place where inclusive participation can be trickled down to the lower grounds,” she said.

For example, Rwanda achieved gender equality in levels of leadership due to government’s ideology to foster inclusive participation as well as political will to promote equality mainly women rights.

“This could not happen if the ruling party, Rwanda Patriotic Front-RPF didn’t not have this ideology,” she noted.

She further noted that women should be smart to participate in political parties to influence decision making to increase gender equality.

The dialogue will review the women’s equal participation and leadership in political parties and recommendations will be submitted to AU Heads of State and Government Summit in January 2016.