SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S STATEMENT ON THE
OCCASION OF THE COMMEMORATING OF
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2014

Southern African Development Community (SADC) joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2014 under the “Equality for Women is Progress for all.’’ This is indeed an opportune moment for SADC to reflect on progress made towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The SADC region has recorded commendable milestones in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment over the years. Our region has realized an increase of women representation and participation in the public and private spheres. Improvements in women’s health, especially the reduction of maternal mortality rates have been recorded. In education, most Member States are on course to achieve the gender parity in enrollment rates of boys and girls at both primary and secondary school levels.

Member States have incorporated gender perspectives in their education policies, programs and curriculum among other successes. Gender Mainstreaming of sectors such as agriculture, trade, energy, water, peace building and security among others have been progressing very well at both regional and national levels.

However, a lot still needs to be done for women and girls to enjoy the full fundamental rights, freedom and dignity. Many of our communities, especially women and girls in rural areas continue to face challenges that include harmful traditional /religious practices, and violence against women and children among other concerns. Lack of access to and ownership of resources such as land continues to be a challenge for basic livelihood necessary for poverty eradication, food security and sustainable development among others.

In view of this, it is important for SADC Member States to develop and strengthen efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development opens a unique possibility for our Member States to intensify measures for strategic implementation of the SADC Gender commitments in collaboration with all stakeholders from civil society, private sector, our communities and other development partners.

Equality for women is indeed progress for all. Together we can make it to promote women’s rights, and gender equality in line with the SADC vision...‘’to ensure economic well-being, improvement of the standards of living and quality of life of the people of Southern Africa.’’

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