The African Union Heads of State and Government Summit took place in February 2021 under the Theme: Arts, Culture, and Heritage. The 2021 Summit focused on the need for no African country to be left behind in the continental body Response to the pandemic.
Leaders emphasized the challenges the pandemic has brought upon the health sector and the sufferings and hardship across the continent. African leaders are committed to ensuring all states benefit from the vaccination program.
The outgoing African Union Chairperson and President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa during his handover speech reminded member states of the need for trade facilitation to support African women entrepreneurs. Of specific significance is the call of the outgoing president of the African Union, for the institutionalization of the Office of the Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security. He subsequently presented a proposed summit decision on the program of Action on African Women in trade which will enable state parties to report annually on the progress that has been made on strengthening women’s participation in free trade areas in various countries.
He further raised concerns on the increasing levels of violence against women and girls on the continent particularly in these times of the pandemic and this led to his request on adopting a decision to develop a Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls which will foster commitment from member states to promote the protection of women and girls
