It is crucial that we increase women's participation in political and decision-making structures, from grassroots level and up, says Blessing Vava.
The late Mozambican President Samora Machel once said: "The liberation of women is not an act of charity but a fundamental precondition for the success of our revolution." These words remain relevant as we reflect on the status of women's participation in the sphere of politics and decision-making processes on the continent. Early this week, South African opposition politician Julius Malema bemoaned the lack of representation of the youth in the Pan African Parliament. Malema's call comes against a backdrop of low participation in the representation of women and the youth in political processes.
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