Women's Day: PAWO reflects on systemic barriers
The Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO) says despite invaluable contributions by women to the world, they continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their full participation and absolute empowerment.
"These barriers range from limited access to education and healthcare to unequal opportunities in the workforce and underrepresentation in decision-making processes,” PAWO, whose president is former Swapo Party Women’s Council secretary Eunice Iipinge, said in a statement released ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated globally today.
By October 2023, just over a quarter – 26.3% - of the seats in parliaments around the world were held by women. America and the Caribbean are the second highest (34%), while North Africa and Western Asia have the second lowest position, holding just 1.8%.
In Africa, as of December 2023, women contributed 61% of the Rwandan parliament’s lower and single house. This makes it the country with the highest share of parliamentary women worldwide," the statement revealed.
The organisation added that in the African context, the significance of the IWD celebrations is deeply intertwined with the continent's journey towards inclusive development and the realisation of the African Union's vision for a prosperous and equitable Africa.
"As we commemorate lWD, it's essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of women - from grassroots activism to leadership roles in various sectors - being at the forefront of change, advocating for their rights and contributing to the advancement of their communities.
“Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts at national, continental and global levels," the organisation noted.
"These barriers range from limited access to education and healthcare to unequal opportunities in the workforce and underrepresentation in decision-making processes,” PAWO, whose president is former Swapo Party Women’s Council secretary Eunice Iipinge, said in a statement released ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated globally today.
By October 2023, just over a quarter – 26.3% - of the seats in parliaments around the world were held by women. America and the Caribbean are the second highest (34%), while North Africa and Western Asia have the second lowest position, holding just 1.8%.
In Africa, as of December 2023, women contributed 61% of the Rwandan parliament’s lower and single house. This makes it the country with the highest share of parliamentary women worldwide," the statement revealed.
The organisation added that in the African context, the significance of the IWD celebrations is deeply intertwined with the continent's journey towards inclusive development and the realisation of the African Union's vision for a prosperous and equitable Africa.
"As we commemorate lWD, it's essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of women - from grassroots activism to leadership roles in various sectors - being at the forefront of change, advocating for their rights and contributing to the advancement of their communities.
“Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts at national, continental and global levels," the organisation noted.
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