Nairobi — African nations should prioritise ways in which women can be empowered economically, a regional conference for women, held here between January 7-11, under theme The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Africa, has recommended.

The 42 delegates to the Nairobi conference, drawn from 18 national councils of women in Africa, affiliated to the International Council of Women ICW observed that the move would facilitate the involvement of women in strategies to combat HIV/AIDS.

The also observed that the move would put in place policies and structures that provide women with both credit and skills.

Delegates called for the cancellation of African external debts, pointing out that "this would create extra funds for women-oriented programmes to combat HIV/AIDS on the continent".

The Nairobi conference delegates further recommended proper implementation of globalisation "so that Africa's issues are given the needed attention".

As a way forward, the delegates resolved to strengthen women's national councils in the African region, and to promote inter-country networking within the continent.

The conference also stressed the need to set up a focal point for women's national councils of Africa. Kenya was nominated to take up the challenge and to co-ordinate the resultant activities as yet another way forward.

Delegates recommended the promotion of research and the use of alternative medicine and female controlled prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs including /HIV/AIDS.

Delegates also stressed the need to formulate and enforce policies to combat sexual crimes against women.

The four-day conference was called to exchange ideas, share experiences and analyse the interrelationship between HIV/AIDS, poverty, the changing world, globalisation and the empowerment of women. u