The African Centre for Economic Transformation and the Centre for Global Development jointly hosted a panel discussion themed: Africa Taking Charge of its Future: Prioritizing Gender Equality in the Path of Recovery. The event which was held virtually on the 19th of April 2021 focused on the impacts of COVID 19 and the importance of not leaving women and girls behind in Africa’s recovery plan. The event was centred on efficient ways to ensure long term sustainable recovery while centring on gender equality.
H.E Mme Bineta Diop, the AU SE on WPS emphasised the important role that women have played to mitigate the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SE observed the devastating impact of the pandemic in the lives of women and girls such as violation of their bodily integrity, loss of livelihoods, inaccessibility to health services including mental health. She, however, cautioned against viewing women as victims only, by highlighting the significant contributions of women in the pandemic control measures. She for instance observed the contributions of women grassroots groups in promoting community behaviours that mitigate the spread of the pandemic. The special envoy stressed the need to ensure a gender perspective in the post-recovery process which guarantees attention to women’s needs and leadership at all levels. The event brought together panellists from diverse backgrounds discussing efficient ways to ensure long term sustainable recovery while centring on gender equality.
