Binyam Tamene
20 November 2008
Addis Ababa — Despite Africa's recent growth which rated to be over 5%, it has not yet demonstrated any meaningful impact on poverty reduction, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, especially MDG 3, said the United Nation.
Opening the Six African Developments Forum (ADF VI), Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA, said the review of the status of implementation of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms of Action showed progress in the continent.
"We have made considerable progress in reducing the gender gap in several sectors, including education, access to health services, representations in parliament and decision-making positions, and ratification of the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)," said the Under-Secretary-General indicating the review status undertaken at the Seventh Africa Regional Conference on Women buttresses.
"However, there remains much to be done, especially as recent strong growth of over 5% per annum has not impacted enough on poverty reduction, the achievement of the MDGs, gender equality and overall social development," affirmed Abdoulie.
As key targets for the developing world, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), targeted eight goals, among which "Promote gender equality and empower women," was put as a third goal.
According to the official, Africa's performance is still being overshadowed by uneven progress and disparities between women and men. Women and girls continue to suffer persistent bias and neglect, as the disturbing gender.
Considering that human beings are the most precious resource in development, Abdoulie Jane said "marginalization of women means that we are locking out more than a half of Africa's resources from the developmental process." "There is also clear evidence that policies, legislation and effective strategies aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment have been adopted in many African countries.," he said to over 500 participants convened at ADF VI.
In a three day meeting started with a moment of silence for the recently passed away musician "Mama Africa", Miriam Makeba, the sixth edition of ADF is expected to focus on "Action on gender equality, women's empowerment and ending violence against women." President of Ethiopia, Girma W/giorgis on his part said the challenges Africa faced affect women and men differently.
"Africa faces emerging persistent issues related to high food and fuel prices, the growth in the numbers jobless, climate change and now the global financial crisis," said the FDRE's president indicating their potential impact to deepen and widen existing gender inequalities.
Citing the impact of the current financial crisis, the president said it threatened the well-being of African women in particular, because it can thwart the ability of many African countries to promote gender equality and empower women.
"Women already disadvantaged in terms of employment opportunities," said the president. "The combined effect of these challenges will further reduce their chances of getting decent jobs indeed any jobs at all," he predicted.
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