The main objective of the meeting was to systematically and objectively review the successes, gaps and sustainability of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in southern Africa.

The meeting noted some progress made and challenges remaining, for example, the gender dimensions of poverty have been recognised as well as the imperative of gender equality in eradicating poverty. It was however noted that the challenge of “feminisation” of poverty remained

Key observations of the meeting

• National Gender Machineries remain weak financially, technically and politically
• The social environment and socialisation continue to infringe on women’s rights
• There is a perceived lack of political will from sectoral ministries to appreciate and commit themselves to gender issues
• There is still low representation of women in most countries in areas of decision-making,
• There is also a lack of funds and human resources available for women who want to run for Office
• The low levels of women in decision-making can be attributed to lack of a common gender policy and agenda that transcends political divides
• Globalisation has impacted negatively on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
• Budgetary allocations for gender programmes are unsustainable and ad hoc
• War greatly exacerbates the HIV and AIDS pandemic and sexual violence against women

Key Recommendations of the meetings

• International frameworks, e.g. CEDAW must be domesticated and aligned with national laws.
• Efforts must be made to harmonise customary and common laws
• Gaps in national constitutions must be bridged so as to harmonize them with national gender policies
• National Gender Policies should be legally backed to enforce implementation of the plans of action
• Gender sensitive budgeting initiatives should be strengthened and systematically implemented in all sectoral ministries
• Mechanisms to hold parliaments accountable should be developed and adhered to and networks for gender mainstreaming should be established at community level.
• HIV and AIDS should be recognised as a gender issue and prioritised in the sub-region
• SADC should revisit the 30% representation in parliament and harmonise it with the African Unions 50% requirement

The full report of the UNECA hosted Sub-regional Decade Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing +10), is available on here