The President of the Pan-African
Parliament (PAP), H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira on
Wednesday, made a landmark visit to Chad to officially open the Pan African
Women's Day Celebrations. Hosted by the PAP Women's Caucus, this significant
event brought together a diverse group of participants including current and
former PAP Members of Parliament, representatives from Civil Society
Organizations, members of the Government of Chad, and parliamentarians from the
national parliaments of Uganda, Malawi, Djibouti, and Egypt, among others.
The
celebrations which ended on Thursday, focused on the empowerment and
advancement of women across the continent. Day one commenced with a meeting
between the PAP delegation and the Minister of Women Affairs and Childhood of
Chad. During this meeting, the Minister proudly announced the recent passage of
a bill by Chad's National Assembly that ensures free university education for
girls, a monumental step towards gender equality in education.
Following
the meeting, the delegation visited the Women’s Centre for Women and Girls,
accompanied by the Minister. This Centre is dedicated to providing
apprenticeship and training services to less privileged girls, exemplifying
Chad's commitment to empowering young women through education and skills
development.
The
evening was marked by the formal opening of the Pan African Women's Day
Celebrations. The event featured three key speeches:
- Welcome Remarks by Hon. Amina, Chairperson of the PAP
Women's Caucus, who highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration
in advancing women's rights and opportunities across Africa.
- Address on the Mandate of PAP
and Role of Education by Hon.
Djidda Mamar Mahamat, PAP 4th Vice President, who underscored the
critical role of education in empowering women and driving societal
progress.
- Keynote Address by the 1st Vice President of Chad's Parliament,
delivered on behalf of the Speaker, which focused on the national and
continental strides being made towards gender equality and women's
empowerment.
Day
two of the celebrations featured three impactful panel discussions:
- AU Legal Framework and Current
Status of Education:
This panel discussed the necessity of building a resilient education
system that incorporates innovative curricula to harness technological
advancements. Recommendations included promoting the AU Education
Strategic Plan for 2015-2025.
- Assessing Access, Inclusion,
and Quality Education for Girls:
The discussions highlighted the need for educational centers for
illiterate women in rural areas, the provision of hygiene kits and
facilities for young girls, and creating systems for continuous education
for young mothers.
3. Gender Mainstreaming in Education and Skills Development
The
universal ratification of the Maputo Protocol was emphasized, aiming to protect
women against all forms of discrimination and promote their rights.
The celebration concluded with the
adoption of a communiqué, encapsulating the recommendations from the panel
discussions. The PAP President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira delivered
the closing remarks, reinforcing the commitment to advancing women's rights and
education across Africa.
This event not only celebrated the
achievements of women but also served as a platform to address the challenges
they face and strategize on actionable solutions. The presence of diverse
representatives underscored the collective effort required to drive sustainable
change and empowerment for women across the continent.
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