VP Alupo calls for action towards accelerating gender equality in Africa

Vice President, Jessica Alupo has called for action towards accelerating progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, reducing poverty and enhancing peace and security in Africa.

Alupo made the remarks as Uganda hosted the celebrations of the Pan-African Women’s Day last week under the theme: "Financial inclusion of women, challenges and opportunities."

Alupo said that the Pan African Women’s Organisation has been recognised as a specialised agency of the African Union (AU) and has played a key role in consolidating Pan-Africanism.

She said Pan-Africanism is a worldwide movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity and unity among all indigenous and diaspora ethnic groups of African descent.

In particular, she cited the adoption of instruments, frameworks and programmes which are guiding development in Africa including promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Alupo said considerable progress has been made in translating commitment into measurable action as most African countries have taken giant steps to elevate the status of women through legal and constitutional means.

She said Covid-19 has equally created a systemic shock with negative impact on families, communities and all persons globally.

"It’s therefore important to highlight the effects of Covid-19 on women and girls and also dialogue on the urgent need for gender responsive Covid-19 response plans to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on women and all communities in Africa," she said.