24Th GIMAC PRE-SUMMIT CONSULTATIVE MEETING on GENDER MAINSTREAMING in the AFRICAN UNION

24th GIMAC PRE-SUMMIT CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN THE AFRICAN UNION

19 - 20 June 2014 Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

1 What is the Gender is my Agenda Campaign ? GIMAC MEMBERS AND CO-ORGANIZING PARTNERS The GIMAC consultative meetings and other activities are organized through the contributions of The Gender is my Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) is a leading African women’s civil society network celebrated practitioners in women’s rights and members of each focal point of the thematic areas. coordinated by Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS). The GIMAC network brings together more than These include H.E. Ellen Jonhson Sirleaf, President of Liberia; H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 55 civil society organizations promoting gender equality and accountability for women’s rights. Chairperson of the African Union Commission; H.E. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland The GIMAC was launched in 2002 in Durban, South Africa and has since held bi-annual pre-summit and Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region; Ms Bineta Diop, Founder and President of Femmes consultative meetings in advance of AU Summit meetings to engage AU Member States on African Africa Solidarité. women’s rights, issues and concerns. The GIMAC is organized around the themes related to the The GIMAC focal and thematic members include, but are not limited to: Governance:African operating articles of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA- 2004) namely Leadership Forum (ALF); Peace and Security: Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), Isis-Women’s human rights, governance, peace and security, economic empowerment, education and health. International Cross Cultural Exchange (ISIS WICCE) and African Centre for the Constructive The GIMAC also monitors emerging issues such as climate change. Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD); Human Rights: Women in Law and Development in Africa The GIMAC network tracks, advocates for, and monitors the implementation of the SDGEA, which (WILDAF) and African Center for Democracy and Human Rights (ACDHRS); Health: Ipas Africa is the AU reporting mechanism for women’s rights. The United Nations Economic Commission for Alliance, AIDS Research Alliance/Social Aspects of HIV (SAHARA) and Society for Women and Aids Africa (UNECA), as one of the leading supporters of the GIMAC, and in collaboration with Femmes in Africa (SWAA); Education: Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE) and African Women Africa Solidarité (FAS) and the GIMAC, has developed the Solemn Declaration Index (SDI), as the Development Fund (AWDF). first ever civil society monitoring tool to assess progress on the implementation of gender equality Regional Focal Point members are: in the Southern region, the Foundation for Community in Africa. Development – (FDC), in the Eastern region, Abantu for Development and in the Western region, The GIMAC network members are leading practitioners in women’s rights and development and African Women’s Association (WAWA) over the years, the network has registered key successes in contributing to the adoption of the AU gender parity principle, the Maputo Protocol and the SDGEA. The GIMAC recommendations have been reflected in the outcome documents of the AU Summit and advocacy campaigns for a female Chairperson for the African Union and the appointment of a Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security have been successful.

GIMAC PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS The AU Commission and AU organs are key partners of the GIMAC. Officials of the AU have often engaged in the Pre-Summit Meetings, chairing sessions and actively participating during the debates. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (UNECA) African Centre for Gender is an invaluable partner in lending logistical and technical support to the Pre-Summit Consultative meetings. Among other partners, organizations that have supported the GIMAC network over the years include the Government of Norway, the Government of Finland, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Urgent Action Fund-Africa, UN Women, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Open Society Initiative (OSI), Nobel Women’s Initiative, the Agencia Espanola De CooperationInternational, the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).

2 3 Introduction

Contents The 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Union Women, Peace and Security, African Ministers for (AU) Heads of State and Government took place Gender, and Gender focal points from Regional on the 26th and 27th June 2014, in Malabo, Economic Communities (RECs), the New What is the Gender Is my Agrenda Campaign?...... 2 Equatorial Guinea under the theme “Agriculture Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Introduction...... 5 and Food Security”. Prior to this the 24th Gender the African Development Bank (AfDB), the is my Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Pre-Summit United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming (UNECA), the United Nations Development Day 1 in the AU, organized on the margins of the AU bi- Programme (UNDP) as well as over 60 GIMAC annual Summits, was held on 19-20 June 2014, representatives from Africa and the Diaspora. Opening Ceremony...... 6 at the Sipopo Conference Center in Malabo, During the meeting, the framework of Agenda Equatorial Guinea. The meeting focused on the 2063 consisting of the AU vision and program Session I : Women and Youth Initiatives in Enhancing Agricultural Production and Promoting 24th AU Summit theme of Agriculture and Food to define “The Africa We Want” in 50 years, was Food Security...... 9 Security with a focus on rural women and youth presented by Mr. Mandla M. Madonsela, the AUC in agribusiness. In addition, it deliberated on Director for Strategic Planning. The 24th GIMAC Session II : Agricultural Sector Financing- Calling for newed commitments to promote African Women’s Initiatives...... 13 women’s participation in Beijing+20, the Post participants produced recommendations to put 2015 Agenda, Agenda 2063 as well as emerging forth to the AU Heads of State and Government, Session III : Women Promoting Agribusiness for Economic Empowerment and Food Security... 16 conflicts on the continent and their impact on civil society and the international community, women and girls. on strengthening African women’s participation in the above areas. The 24th Pre-Summit Day 2 The Pre-summit was attended by H.E. Consultative Meeting was co-organized by Dr.Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson for Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) and Women in the African Union Commission (AUC), Ms. Bineta Presentation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Gender Ministers’ meeting...... 20 Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF). Diop, the AUC Chairperson’s Special Envoy for Session IV : Women’s priorities for the Post 2015 Agenda Beijing +20 and the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women...... 26

Session V : Emerging conflicts on the African Continent...... 29 Session VI : Implementation of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa and GIMAC way forward...... 31 Closing remarks...... 32 Advocacy activities...... 33 Outcomes...... 33 Recommendations...... 35 Chairs and speakers...... 37

H.E. Dr Dlamini Zuma, African Union Commission Chairperson, African Gender Ministers and some members of the Gender is My Agenda Campaign.

4 5 DAY 1 by accelerating the ratification of international Women’s Economic Empowerment and Political conventions. Participation in Africa”. The programme was Opening Ceremony initiated by the Chairperson to benefit African Mr. Heileman quoted World Bank figures for women and the Special Envoy stated that 2013 which highlighted the fact that 60% of Ms. Harriette Williams Bright, Advocacy Director, conflicts in Africa, and recent developments the 24th GIMAC recommendations would malnourished people in Africa are women. In Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) chaired the opening regarding the Solemn Declaration on Gender be incorporated in the AU-UNDP Regional addition, studies from the Food and Agriculture ceremony and welcomed all participants and esteemed Equality in Africa. “I would like to thank you for programme. Organization (FAO) indicate that if one is to panelists to the 24th Gender is My Agenda Campaign your commitment and patience. We know that provide women with access to land and other The Special Envoy highlighted that the core (GIMAC) meeting. She equally welcomed key you have come a long way to join us and we production resources, food security would element of Agenda 2063 is to achieve a representatives of member states and partner all are very grateful to be together for such an improve to 4% and 100 million less people would “prosperous Africa at peace with itself driven by organizations that support the GIMAC’s work, important event” said Ms. Williams Bright. be living in hunger. He pointed out that even if youth and women of Africa”. She also added that including the Ministry of Social Affairs and Equatorial Guinea has a low rate of criminality, some achievements have been made in terms Gender Equality of Equatorial Guinea, the United Ms. Kafui Kuwonu, Program Officer, Women in the violence in the neighboring countries of ensuring that women participate in political Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) that is affecting women and girls has been a and democratic governance in Africa. The the African Union Commission (AUC), and the presented the welcome statement in which great concern for the country. Some countries Special Envoy cited countries such as Senegal GIMAC members from the continent and the she mentioned that women have a significant experiencing long standing conflicts are still and Rwanda which have made tremendous Diaspora. In her statement, Ms. Williams Bright role to play in agriculture despite the fact struggling to find stability. However, the success progress in increasing the number of women in shared some key GIMAC achievements to date that their contribution remains overlooked. stories in countries such as Sierra Leone show leadership positions. She emphasized however including: She stated that rural women face multiple challenges stemming from limited access that peace is possible. Mr. Leo Heileman noted that it is imperative to go beyond numbers in the importance of seeking solutions within empowering women. • Producing recommendations after each to loans and storage facilities, lack of food processing infrastructure and education. Ms. Africa and wished the participants success in GIMAC meeting and submitting them to Ms. Bineta Diop equally addressed some of Kuwonu argued that the Maputo Declaration achieving the objectives of the meeting. the AU Heads of State and Government for the continent’s current conflicts, and provided which allocates 10% of the AU member states inclusion in the Summit declarations and Ms. Bineta Diop, AUC Chairperson’s Special insights on a recent solidarity mission in Central government budget to agriculture was only met decisions. Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, Africa Republic, undertaken with the UN Women by members of the Economic Community of addressed the speakers and greeted participants Director Dr Phumzile Mlambo Ngucka and the • Honoring African women and men that West African States (ECOWAS). She confirmed on behalf of the Chairperson. She congratulated Economic Community of Central African States contributed to PanAfricanism and to the that rural women can contribute considerably in the network for its efforts and the government (ECCAS), to meet with President Catherine liberation struggle. sustainable development and in the eradication of Equatorial Guinea for its support. Samba Panza, and some victims of the conflict. of famine if they can access the same level of • Launching the Initiative to Empower The Special Envoy equally travelled to Kakuma resource of production as men. Hence she called She also congratulated the GIMAC for bringing Women in Agriculture under the guidance of Refugee camp to speak with refugees from for a renewed commitment to the Maputo rural women and for being the first network to H. E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of the South Sudan. She indicated that the terrorist protocol. develop a tool to monitor the Solemn Declaration Republic of Liberia. violence in Nigeria would be included in her on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA). The Mr. Leo Heileman, Resident Coordinator, peace and security agenda for the continent. Special Envoy echoed the GIMAC’s initiative • Producing a tool for the GIMAC members United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the guidance of H. E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ms. Carmen Ecoro, Minister of Social Affairs to monitor and report on the Solemn Equatorial Guinea, stated his appreciation for the President of the Republic of Liberia, to launch and Gender Equality of Equatorial Guinea, Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa presence of the AU Chairperson’s Special Envoy on the initiative to Empower Women in Agriculture pointed out that in Equatorial Guinea, as in most (SDGEA). Women Peace and Security, Ambassadors, (EWA) in support of the Comprehensive Africa African countries, agriculture is the backbone Representatives of organizations, FAS and “During this 24th GIMAC meeting, members Agricultural Programme (CAADP) of the New of the country which is sustained by women. Ministers of Gender. “Development that is not will discuss how to put women at the center Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). According to the National Programme on food engendered is endangered” said Mr. Heileman. of Africa’s growth in agriculture, food security Ms. Diop appreciated the presence of NEPAD security data, 70.5% of the active population He indicated his aspiration for improving and agribusiness”, stated Ms. Williams Bright. and EWA representatives at the 23rd GIMAC is employed in agriculture while 78% of the the level of health for girls and women and She stressed that more than 60 women from meeting. The Special Envoy discussed the female workforce is employed in agriculture. minimizing maternal mortality. It was noted Equatorial Guinea and from all over Africa had AU-UNDP Regional Programme on Gender Women face multiple challenges in terms that the UNDP is providing expertise in this area gathered in Malabo to debate on questions of entitled “Building an Enabling Environment for of limited access to resources of production women, agriculture and food security, emerging and he urged the promotion of gender equality

6 7 such as land, input and financial means. The the African continent. Regarding the Solemn SESSION I Minister detailed the government’s initiative Declaration on Gender Equality, the Ministry to develop the agricultural sector, including the of Social Development and Gender Equality implementation of self-employment projects actively supports this mechanism of the Women and Youth Initiatives in Enhancing Agricultural to build the technical, organizational and African Union. In this regard, the government Production and Promoting Food Security financial capacity of women’s groups working has conducted a study on the socioeconomic in agriculture. Ms. Ecoro stated that emerging situation of women in Equatorial Guinea. conflicts are affecting the African population Ms. Ecoro, on behalf of the Ministry of Social This session was chaired by Dr. Thelma • It is critical to scale up legal education across the continent. The government of Development and Gender Equality wished all Awori, Chair of the Board of the Institute for programs towards rural women to make Equatorial Guinea condemns all acts of violence GIMAC participants an excellent and fruitful Social Transformation. Dr. Awori opened them aware of their rights and to be able to and always opts for the peace of the people as meeting. this session with a powerful statement exercise them. an imperative element for the development of while showing a picture of traditional hand hoes : “We want to start a campaign to put • There is a need to develop and scale up these hand hoes in a museum; we must try programs to change mindsets in favor of to move towards mechanized agriculture”. women. Ms. Barietou Agbere, member of ROPPA Ms. Rihanata Compaore Ouedraogo, a farmer women’s college and farmer in a rural from Burkina Faso presented on agricultural community in Togo, emphasized women’s practices in rural Burkina Faso. Ms. Ouedraogo various contributions to agricultural production detailed how customs and traditions deny and food security. She mentioned that the women their basic rights to access land for organization consists of farming groups that agricultural production. She explained that land facilitate women’s access to sustainable is mainly distributed to adult men, while women technologies to improve production. The usually benefit from abandoned ones. Once organization also supports women’s groups to women get land and invest in it with the basic increase the quality of seeds and soil through resource they possess, it is taken back from indigenous techniques. Ms. Agbere pointed them. These factors all compound to lead to M. Leo Heileman, discussing with Mrs Ms Kafui Kuwonu, Chair of the first ses- out that efforts for crops transformation and Bineta Diop and Dr Thelma Awori, prior sion is presenting the welcome state- unpredictable work conditions. concrete actions such as cassava and soya to the opening ceremony. ment. Ms. Ouedraogo highlighted the positive role of transformation have been undertaken. Animal the WilDAF programme which has empowered husbandry was also mentioned as another women through legal mechanisms. The program activity in which the women are actively has also provided an avenue for women farmers engaged. Ms. Agbere detailed key challenges in to improve their situation while training them to terms of access to land, technology, information, sensitize land owners in rural areas. As a result training and extension services. Poor land was of WilDAF’s support, approximately 49 women’s allocated to women, which made it difficult groups and 28 women have acquired land. to invest meaningfully in the land. “The state should make sure that people use other sources In concluding her presentation, Ms. Ouedraogo of energy and women should be trained to use added that rural women from Burkina Faso technologies as well as provide them with access need loans to buy fertilizer as well as training to to credit and inclusive financing”, emphasized support their activities. She equally issued the Ms. Agbere. Challenges related to prerequisite Opening ceremony Panel with Wildaf, GIMAC participants. following key recommendations: conditions to access to credit were raised with the representant of the Gender Ministry of Equatorial Guinea, FAS and UNDP.

8 9 illustrations. For example, the women have “help African countries reach a higher path DISCUSSION been asked to develop business plans and of economic growth through agriculture- led acquire capital which is difficult for them. She development, in a bid to eliminate hunger, It was emphasized that additional resources • A participant argued that women are unable further argued that violence against women reduce poverty and promote food security should be allocated to young women to diversify their production, for instance the and being denied participation in decision amongst others”. It was highlighted that though employed in agriculture. inability of getting space for fish farming. making processes at all levels prevent them 80% of women are employed in agriculture and from playing a positive role as producers and contribute to a higher percentage in producing It was underlined that women need to work • It was pointed out that even if there has been contributors to development. crops, they face multiple challenges. Ms. with financial institutions to improve their a problem of land grabbing, mechanization Yah shared the experience of Sierra Leone economic conditions. has enabled women to improve their It was indicated that the WilDAF initiative where acquisition of land is not transparent, A recommendation was put forward to agribusiness in Sierra Leone. to empower women farmers has been key development programmes promoting large accompany existing programs for women to enable women to know their rights and scale farming violate the rights of women and • It was noted that a program in Benin is with education. advocate for a full enjoyment of these. girls on small holder farms and social disruption currently enabling women to breed fish. Women should know that when they work The presenter highlighted that there is a heavily impact women. Women encounter It was recommended that through the use for themselves they have choice and they need to continue implementing the WiLDAF many challenges including risks of sexual assault of mobile telephone technology and radio, have power in decision making. programmes for all women to be aware of their while travelling long distances to reach farms. young women farmers can be reached and rights and to be empowered to claim them. In addition, markets are also far away, posing a they can even get visibility. • Guinean women have been working in challenge of fresh produce going bad en route. agriculture. However the challenge is that Ms. Agbere pointed out that funding was It was highlighted that every discussion raised On a positive note, YWCA Liberia has purchased there is lack of training, marketing for their received to enable women technologically to should influence governments’ decisions 20 acres of land for young women to work on produce, storage facilities and access to enhance productivity, and that there have been especially in light of the fact that agreements in order to counter the issue of early school credit. efforts in shifting to organic fertilizers rather drop-outs that often lead to early marriages. are signed but not implemented. than using chemical ones. YWCA also works with women to get subsidies Governments should be held accountable • The cooperatives proposed by the first lady were positive initiatives. In Equatorial Ms. Agbere made the following and to reduce child mortality. In addition, Ms for implementing all agreements signed Guinea women are not inhibited by their recommendations for African Head of States: Yah applauded the Malawi government which at the regional and international level, and provides seeds and fertilizers to women farmers. the women’s networks should benefit from families and they also have the advantage of • There is a need to recognize the key role Ms. Yah recommended the following: the resources generated through these accessing good road network. played by women farmers and invest in agreements. • ROPPA and EWA were highlighted as agriculture and livestock by supporting • Small holder farmers should be supported examples of networks that can assist programmes and build on women’s specific through subsidies that provide access to • It was pointed out that even if though women to obtain access to credit and other needs. seeds, natural fertilizers and pesticides. Maputo suggested that 10% of governments’ budgets should go to agriculture, it still resources. • It is essential to allocate more resources to • Women and girls should be provided with needs to be gender disaggregated. Young • WiLDAF’s initiative in bringing women farming activities particularly for women to technical skills. girls and smallholder farmers should also be from the ground and to share their stories ensure food security in Africa. • Road infrastructure should be improved included in the analysis. was equally applauded. Discussants urged Ms. Antoinette Yah, Young Women Christian to provide women with easy access to sell governments to listen to their challenges, their produce. • The challenges that were identified were Association (YWCA)-Sierra Leone pointed out on how to build capacity (business plan and the GIMAC to take these to the that the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture • Young women’s employment should be writing), how to use technology, how to leadership in the AU, NEPAD and heads of Development Programme (CAADP) aims to facilitated through cooperatives. provide women with resources and how the states. legal system can respond to women’s needs.

10 11 SESSION II Agricultural Sector Financing- Ms. Woré Ndiaye Kandji, Assistant Programme Officer FAS, provided a brief background to the Calling for renewed Initiative to Empower Women in Agriculture commitments to promote African (EWA), championed by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and the World Women’s Initiatives Bank. She highlighted that EWA’s goal is to empower women in all the four CAADP pillars The Chair of this session, Ms. Kafui Kuwonu, of ‘Sustainable Land and Water Management’; Senior Programme Officer, WiLDAF stated ‘Market Access’; ‘Food Supply and Hunger’; that the Maputo declaration allocates 10% of and ‘Agricultural Research’. The presenter stage budgets to agriculture. Despite this, and recommended that macro economics be following the adoption of the CAADP, only 8 instrumental for human development and that countries have achieved nutrition sufficiency. policies address the challenges faced by women in agriculture. Ms. Kandji added that looking «Let us put these hand hoes back to the Ms Rihannata Ouedraogo shares her museum», says Dr Thelma Awori. experience as a farmer from Burkina Mr. Boaz Kaizire, AUC Head of Division at different policies and adopting a holistic Faso. Agriculture and Food Security represented approach to solving problems and development Ms. Rhoda Tumusiime, AUC Commissioner of must be embedded into a process. Besides, EWA Rural Economy and Agriculture. Mr. Kaizire is evolving and has adopted a holistic approach argued that the 10% allocation for agriculture in to address women’s needs in agriculture. the Maputo protocol was a political statement. He pointed out that governments can only Ms. Ouma Kaltoume Moustapha, GROW demonstrate their commitment when they have campaign representative from Niger focused the necessary means to do so. The presenter on an overview of the level of implementation further argued that the funds allotted for the of the Maputo Protocol’s requirement for heads agricultural sector need to be broken down of state to allocate 10% of their resources according to various thematic areas. He further to agriculture; an assessment of gender stressed that gender desegregation needs to be mainstreaming in the allocation of the 10% and Young women representing YWCA. Ms Barietou Agbere, from Togo, pre- conducted in allocating funds to the agricultural how to move from words to action. Concerning sents her organisation of women far- the first and second points, only 8 out of the 54 ming groups. sector. countries of the continent have met the 10% It was pointed out that in the last ten years of the requirement. The majority of countries spend CAADP, the private sector has not contributed at least 4% of their national public budget on as much as the public sector. Consequently the agriculture. This leads to food insecurity for last two years aimed at boosting private capital most of those who didn’t reach the 10% and a and declaring the year 2014 food security large proportion of the finance available at the and agriculture was timely to allow countries national level relies heavily on external aid. Due to mobilize efforts at the national level. The to the lack of gender budgeting, it is difficult speaker emphasized the need for a broader to know whether some of the 10% targeted cross cutting approach and the development of women in agriculture. mechanisms that raise private investment. Ms. Moustapha presented the GROW campaign Ms Antoinette Yah, representing YWCA Ms Bineta Diop highlights the impor- Mr. Kaizire concluded by emphasizing the Sierra Leone, advocates for the respect tance to point out the challenges and in West Africa that is working with various Civil of women farmers. the risks regarding access to land. need to move from rhetoric to action with Society Organizations to raise their voices concrete programmes that are working and that to the African Heads of State to renew their political leaders must make strong concerted commitment to financing family farming and commitments to invest, track, report and livestock. account for what they say-‘otherwise what we are doing here is pointless’. This bold statement was met with applause from the participants.

12 13 The speaker put forward the following key • Integrate sustainability and climate resilience DISCUSSION recommendations: into national agriculture plans. • Promote quality agriculture spending and • Eliminate the gender and youth gap in effective agricultural investments through agriculture, and mainstream gender in the • A participant highlighted the example of • It was noted that in discussing agri-businesses, transparent and accountable budgets. above recommendations Southern Ethiopia, where the Ministry of small holder farmers should not be excluded. • Promote quality and transparent agricultural Ms. Mariam Issa Karidjo, Representative of Agriculture proposed investments geared at Reality has shown that investments are not spending that will take into account the the Reseau Billital Maroobe (RBM) focused changing the lifestyle of pastoralists. going to the right individuals, governments diversity of small-scale producers of which her discussion on pastoralism and argued are not responding to existing problems, and • It was also argued that the private sector is women are a majority. that cattle breeding is lacking attention and the concerned people are not consulted. untapped as a source of funding and should receives marginal funding. The speaker showed be included in inclusive growth processes. • In the midst of instability in Nigeria, pastoralists • Promote effective, mutually accountable evidence that livestock farming receives Corporate social responsibility could be tapped would provide insight into devising peaceful and participatory agricultural policy making little funding compared to other agricultural into within the GIMAC, together with calls for mechanisms to resolve the conflict. processes under the CAADP. activities, despite contributing considerably liberalization to promote trade. • Strengthen small-scale producers’ land rights to the rural economy. In addition, land initially through the adoption of guiding principles on reserved for pastoralists is subject to grabbing large scale land based investments. which poses challenges in building resilience. As a result, women as key actors in this activity • Increase resources for improving land are heavily affected. In order to create a safe governance and the implementation of the AU environment for pastoralist women, RBM «Framework and Guidelines on land in Africa». facilitated the creation of a network to preserve • Increase investments in inclusive agricultural pastoralist economies in Niger, Burkina, Mali and later Nigeria. Women were at the forefront research, Development and the extension of this initiative. The speaker argued that the advisory services. network recognizes the role of women and their representation and it has adopted a vision to • Foster access to markets for small-scale bring gender equality, raise and tackle women’s farming, and responsible private sector issues and include them in decision making. investments. Finally, Ms. Karidjo emphasized that women and men pastoralists are asking for adequate and substantial financing for agriculture and a subsequent part to promote breeding activities. Mr Boaz Kaizire argues that Ms Mariam Issa Karidjo explains how governments must allocate funds to the her organisation helped create a safe agricultural sector environment for pastoralist women in Niger

Ms Woré Ndiaye Kandji presenting the Ms Oumou Kaltoume Moustapha pre- Empowering Women in Agriculture Ini- senting the GROW campaign in West tiative (EWA) established by FAS and Africa GIMAC

14 15 SESSION III speaker argued that as Liberia is a fragile post The following are some key recommendations respond to Africa’s development priorities and conflict country, efforts need to be maximized from Dr. Asfour‘s presentation: challenges in line with the AU Women’s Decade Women Promoting Agribusiness in assisting rural market women to recover from (2010-2020) and the UNDP’s Strategic Plan as for Economic Empowerment and the effect of the war. To that end, Mr. Yarpah • With reference to food security and agriculture, well as Gender Equality Strategy. called for the international community to train measures should be taken to initiate research Food Security market rural women in Liberia. He argued that on new species that will tolerate higher Dr. Mwebaza emphasized that the programme the market women sustained the economy temperatures and water deficiencies. will address the need for increasing Africa’s This session was chaired by Ms. Ndeye Rosalie female farmers’ productivity so that they during the war in Liberia and given all the • Establish a database of women entrepreneurs in Lo, NEPAD Gender Focal Point. become drivers of food security. In addition, necessary resources, would be able to feed the agribusiness and women farmers associations. she underscored that the programme would nation. advance the business environment to increase • Create linkages and network with women’s the number of businesses ran by women; and Ms. Lusu Sloan, President, Liberia Marketing Ms. Kebbeh Zayzay Monger, President of businesses, farmers associations, and women transform women’s micro-level enterprise Association and Member of the Liberia Board Montserrado Rural Women emphasized entrepreneurs in order to open new markets into small and medium sized initiatives. “The programme would also enhance leadership, of Directors Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund the previous speakers’ concerns regarding Rose Mwebaza, Gender Advisor, Bureau of participation and representation of women in (SMWF) opened the session by reiterating providing training for rural women. She stated the Chairperson, African Union Commis- public and private institutions both at national like all speakers before her, the need for tools that besides facilitating women to access land, sion presented a new regional programme by and regional levels”, said Dr. Mwebaza. She and machines as well as education, training there is still a need to upgrade their skills and highlighted that the programme will focus the United Nations Development Programme and exposure to effective technologies from knowledge through training. Ms. Monger argued on four main components namely women in (UNDP) in collaboration with the African Union different countries in order to facilitate progress that women need access to credit, fertilizers agriculture, women in business, women in Commission (AUC) on “Building an Enabling leadership as well as gender equality in planning, in agriculture. Ms. Sloan stated that in Liberia, and training on how to apply new technology. Environment for Women’s Economic Empower- budgeting and monitoring. Dr. Mwebaza 80% of women are employed in the agricultural She called on the international community to ment and Political Participation in Africa”. She concluded by calling upon the GIMAC network sector but continue to face multiple challenges. support national governments to empower explained that the new programme seeks to members to seize the opportunity offered by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf allocated 50 women in agriculture and agribusiness. The this programme and participate in its activities. acres of land for women’s agricultural activities presenter concluded by urging women to be an as a response, but the lack of access to modern active part of the international market. technology creates difficulties in production. Dr. Amany Asfour, Vice President International Ms. Sloan recommended training of Liberian Federation for Business and Professional women in agri-business, experience sharing Women (BPW) International started her with other countries and the construction of presentation by highlighting that “if women had infrastructure. the same access to productive resources as men, Mr. Zarr Yarpah, Acting Executive Director they could increase yields on their farms by 20 Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund (SMWF) to 30 percent. This could reduce the number of hungry people worldwide by up to 17 percent”. “Climate change presents a major challenge as Dr. Asfour re-emphasized the need to increase we can no longer anticipate the rain and thus do the role of women in agribusiness value chains not know when to plant anymore. Furthermore, through access to land, better farming and seeds, lack of access to credit is a considerable challenge better yields and harvest. She underscored the and in order to become more competitive, we necessity for agri-processing and value addition need to produce more goods that can be sold on for raw materials including industrialization and the international market” stated Mr. Yarpah. access to markets. She cited obstacles to value addition including lack of information, capacity, Mr Yarpah discussed challenges in ensuring technical skills, machinery, funding, scientific food security for Liberia and presented various research and infrastructure. Dr. Asfour shared initiatives aimed at empowering Liberian some initiatives that have been implemented in women. These included facilitating access Egypt on capacity building and training for rural for three market women to travel to Nigeria women in agribusiness, creating jobs as well as to learn and share experiences. He equally success stories on science and technology in detailed efforts made in cooperative funding, agribusiness. microfinance, construction and training. The

16 17 DISCUSSION

• Participants argued that there is a lot of • Agribusiness should be supported by production but processing is not well structured. partnerships, resources and linkages to share While recognizing existing support from the information and showcase initiatives. international community, a recommendation was made to organize a study to underscore • Business mentoring for young women should best practices within Africa. It will also be be provided. useful to conduct training and experience • Linking women entrepreneurs to financial sharing among African countries institutions and central banks in Africa will be Dr Amany Asfour, emphasizes the ne- Ms Ndeye Rosalie Lô, NEPAD Gender • In the same vein, participants proposed that important to design a mechanism to get an cessity to access to land, seeds and Focal Point, chairs the 3rd session the AU organize a Training of Trainers (ToT) increase in allocations to 30%. markets to learn from best practices in Egypt where • Revitalizing and adopting agricultural policies indigenous knowledge was developed and based on the needs of rural women. utilized; and share these through a pamphlet. • Representing the ministry of agriculture in • It was recommended that training centers for rural areas where agricultural programs will be women in agribusiness in Liberia and Sierra executed. Leone need to work together and that the YWCA facilitate this. • Subsidizing and supporting the activities of rural women grouped within registered • It was noted that there is a major problem of associations. nutrition in Africa, and that there is need to strengthen indigenous production and home • Creating a permanent framework to build nutrition as a solution. Using the importation the capacity of members for registered of chicken in Liberia as an example, the associations to achieve food security and Dr Rose Mwebaza presents the new Ms Bitania Tadesse and Woré Ndiaye discussant stated that: “all we need is one cock increased agricultural production. programme on Building an Enabling En- Kandji, FAS staff, taking notes and five chickens.” vironment for Women’s Economic Em- • Constructing and/or rehabilitating rural powerment and Political Participation in • There should be ongoing capacity building at roads to facilitate the transfer of agricultural Africa the market locations since women need to be products towards the market. trained on how to manage their businesses.

Ms Lusu Sloan pledges for access to Mr Zarr Yarpah, Ms Bineta Diop and the modern technologies and training in Representant of the Equatorial Guinean agri-business Gender Ministry

Dr Thelma Awori talking to Ms Violaine Dr Amany Asfour discussing gender Beix Ginzburg, FAS Operations Direc- issues with Dr Rose Mwebaza tor

18 19 DAY 2 The Chairperson stated that 50 years ago China was where Africa is today. China educated and Agenda 2063 and Ministers’ trained its young people and built its agriculture. Meeting Currently China is producing 700000 engineers whereas in Africa is about 20000. She stressed that young girls should not only H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairper- be educated but they should also possess son for the African Union Commission (AUC), skills that can be utilized. Human resource and opened the meeting by urging all participants to infrastructure are critical for development and envision the Africa we want and encouraged the more women need to be in decision making. GIMAC to advocate for its recommendations “We must be the change to get the Africa we from the meeting to be part of the Agenda 2063. want”. She highlighted that Nigeria has been successful Mr. Mandla M. Madonsela, AUC Director for in ensuring women’s access to finance in Strategic Planning, presented the current agriculture and has met the 30% requirement. draft Agenda 2063. The presenter reiterated She urged for women’s access to land as a the AU’s vision for a prosperous Africa with an priority for the Agenda 2063 document, together agenda driven by its own citizens and based with improved irrigation, seeds provision, and on inclusive growth, political unity and respect reproductive health issues. “Women should for the rule of law and peace. Mr. Madonsela be assisted in agri-business and facilitate the explained that each aspiration has a goal and creation of more jobs for women and young priority actions, and indicative strategies which people; and assist them by giving them training, can be pursued at regional and member states technology and finance and government should level. With reference to the GIMAC, “aspiration Ms Bineta Diop and Carmen Ecoro co- Ms Carmen Ecoro, Equatorial Guinea also create storage” stated Dr. Zuma. Women 6, goal 15 states ‘empowering women and girls chair the session before the arrival of Gender Minister, welcomes Dr Zuma, need to demand to have access to electricity. and provide equal access and opportunity in all the AUC Chairperson AUC Chairperson Every African household should have access to the spheres of life’. The main target is to ensure energy and these issues should be incorporated equal economic rights for women, including in Agenda 2063. their right to own and inherit property and to sign a contract. It also includes ending all Changing mindsets is key to Africa’s forms of violence and discrimination against development. “Africa is rich but Africans women and girls”. Mr. Madonsela also stated are poor”, said the Chairperson quoting the that this objective would be accompanied by Namibian Foreign minister. Africa is highly a process to develop and implement national dependent on donors’ resources. So much time strategies for the promotion of the rights of is spent on reports and donations that Africa is women and elimination of gender inequality. missing out on the bigger picture. With regards to the implementation of Agenda By changing women’s mindsets, they will be 2063, actors such as the AU assembly of Heads able to stand up at national levels and make of state, AU executive council, AU organs, their governments accountable. Governments AUC, RECs, Member States, CSOs and private sector would all participate in the initiative. should be aware that without women and young Dr Zuma, AUC Chairperson, shares her Mr Mandla M. Madonsela presents the people, no political party can be or remain in Moreover, Agenda 2063 aims to rely on internal vision of the «Africa We Want» current draft of the Agenda 2063 power. Women must be part of industrialization resources. right from the beginning and there is a need to Mr. Madonsela urged these stakeholders to showcase best practices. Industrializations and increase awareness of the document with technology need to take into account young African citizens on the ground to allow for girls. its internalization. He underlined that the document is still a work in progress that requires additional input from all stakeholders.

20 21 DISCUSSION

• Various ministers shared their best practices and the Gender Ministry, calling for increased and recommendations: awareness initiatives and strong links between rural women and gender ministries. - The South African Gender Minister shared South Africa’s advances in gender equality, • The discussants recognized Agenda 2063’s with 43% of the cabinet ministers being women potential for young women, while underscoring following the May 2014 elections. However the the value of monitoring and evaluation as a number of women in provincial leadership has robust component of the Agenda 2063. dropped. The Kenyan Gender Minister shares Dr Amany Asfour speaks on behalf of • Other recommendations were championed best practices regarding a women en- Egyptian women - The Kenyan Gender Minister shared her as providing positive themes from which the terprise fund country’s experiences with affirmative action, Agenda should draw: indicating that an ability fund has been provided for women, the youth and people with - The Lagos Plan of Action for the Economic disabilities. A women enterprise fund has been Development of Africa (1980–2000) was providing women with resources and women highlighted as having positive ideologies and have a positive record in paying back their loans. policies from which the Agenda could draw. There have been efforts to engage men in the Participants discussed Africa’s shift from self- women’s empowerment agenda. reliance to its current dependence situation and the value of the Agenda in changing this. The - The representative from the ministry of gender AUC was encouraged to popularize and simplify from Swaziland stated that the king has set up the Agenda to make it accessible to all African a fund to assist women in the informal sector citizens, especially rural women. and gender unit has been transformed into a department. - The post 2015 agenda also needs to include access to reproductive and health rights. The Algerian Gender Minister raises The Ugandan Gender Minister advo- concerns regarding gender implemen- cates for women’s participation in deci- - The Sudanese Gender Minister stated that it is tation issues sion making processes essential to focus on the wealth of the continent - It was recommended that the Agenda focus on and exploit it to benefit the African people. human resource potential in Africa particularly the youth and women; addressing women’s - The Tanzanian Gender Minister stated that competitive status with relation to established most of the bilateral agreements are signed businesses; the utilization of natural resources; but not implemented and gender is not taken industrialization; science and technology; and seriously. She further stated that there is a need the promotion of indigenous knowledge. to change the mindset of the people so that they take gender issues seriously. - It was equally recommended that the proposed goal in peace and security be strengthened. - The Ugandan Gender Minister echoed the discussion by emphasizing that women should - An implementation of the parity principle at be at the center of all decision making processes. state level, and the preparation of women to assume new roles was highlighted as being • The Association for women, peace and relevant to the Agenda. development from the DRC expressed an existing gap between rural women in the DRC The South African Gender Minister The Sudanese Gender Minister states on the advances of gender parity addresses wealth issues

22 23 The IGAD delegation The Zimbabwean Gender Minister shares best practices and recommen- The YWCA members posing with Dr. Opening of the Gender Ministers’ dations Zuma. meeting.

The Equatorial Guinean Gender Ministry The Tanzanian Gender Minister speaks delegation up for gender issues to be taken more Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma chairs the Ms Assétou Koité, President of the seriously in bilateral agreements session. Panafrican Women Organisation (PAWO).

The Guinean Gender Minister shares The Lesotho representative Gender Minister addresses the Ms Ngoné Diop, from the Economic best practices and recommendations implementation of gender agenda in Commission for Africa (ECA), took the Tanzania. floor to share solutions.

24 25 SESSION IV • Meaningful Participation of Young Women. Ms. Brenda Muturi, Policy Manager, Ipas Africa - Access to quality and integrated Sexual Alliance stated that Ipas is working mainly Reproductive Health services including Women’s Priorities for the Post- • Access to Education, Economic Empowerment on sexual and reproductive health and rights comprehensive sexuality, education, counseling, 2015 Agenda Beijing +20 and the and Resources. (SRHR) with a specific focus on safe abortions, contraception, maternity care, safe abortion 59th Session of the Commission Ms Mokoena further argued that “860 million highlighting that SRHR were not a standalone services, post abortion care, prevention as well young women are more than a statistic - they are objective. as treatment of STIs and HIV. on the Status of Women a valuable asset to nations, a critical population Ms Muturi illustrated the link between food - Governments must also commit to eliminating group for achieving human development and security and SRHR stressing that the reality legal, policy and financial barriers to SRH that their voices must count in shaping the future of affects mainly rural women and women living promote discrimination against women and This session was chaired by Ms. Letty Chiwara, humanity. The post-2015 development agenda in the rural areas who are critical actors in food girls, and that prevent them from making UN Women Representative to Ethiopia, Africa must capture the needs, assets and aspirations security. The speaker stressed that abortion is voluntary, autonomous decisions about their Union (AU) and Economic Commission for of this critical population group”. the most overlooked SRHR. reproductive health. Africa (ECA). She opened the session by asking Ms. Roseline Toweh, General Secretary YWCA participants what women’s priorities should She recommended the following: Ms. Harriette Williams Bright, Advocacy of Liberia, stated that it has been 20 years since be for the post-2015 agenda and Beijing +20 Director, FAS pointed out that the CSO the Beijing Conference. It was pointed out that • The post-2015 development framework must platform for action. The chair pointed out consultation on post-2015 has been completed the YWCA has participated in conferences to have a target on universal access to sexual and challenges in women’s leadership when Beijing and there is a need to have increased assess the Beijing declaration and platform of reproductive health and rights was first launched. Even if improvements were cooperation with foreign ministries to further action and approved an outcome document made for instance in Rwanda where 64-65% of advance women’s agenda. It was further argued addressing gender equality, development • Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights parliamentarians are women, the effort is not that efforts have to be maximized to ensure that and peace in the 21st century. In addition, an should be clearly defined to include: yet complete. Ms Chiwara congratulated the governments formulate a policy regarding the International Women’s Summit was organized GIMAC on behalf of UN Women’s Executive distribution of land to rural women. by the World YWCA Executive Committee for director for organizing the biannual consultative consultations on the Beijing declaration. These meetings. She stated that Uganda is the current consultative efforts have included participation president of the UN General Assembly and at various Commission on the Status of Women its Foreign Minister has pledged to prioritize (CSW) sessions including the 49th CSW in 2005 gender issues. to reaffirm the Beijing Declaration and 54th Ms. Kgothatso Mokoena, Youth Coordinator, CSW for the review of Beijing+15. Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Ms Toweh recommended the following: South Africa stated that gender inequality continues to undermine all efforts in achieving • The appointment of an intergenerational the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). team of Beijing +20 African Champions who will This has resulted in continuing challenges in amplify the role played by African women. ending violence against women and girls which constitute the vulnerable section of populations. • The use of creative means such as digital platforms and social media to place young The speaker emphasized that the post 2015 Ms Letty Chiwara opens the 4th session agenda must capture the needs of this critical African women and girls at the centre of Ms Kgothatso Mokoena addresses population group. In addition she forwarded the processes. gender inequality issues following key recommendations for the post • The reinforcement of institutional mechanisms 2015 agenda: for implementing targets that will include the • End Violence Against Women and Girls. implementation of 1325, enhance access to education, end child marriage and promote • Fulfillment of Sexual Reproductive Health and women’s economic empowerment. Rights.

26 27 DISCUSSION Ms. Joy Onyesoh, (President WILPF-Nigeria) SESSION V argued that it would be difficult to talk about • Addressing impunity especially rape of minors Emerging conflicts on the African WPS without addressing the core problem • There is a need to increase the number of by relatives is critical. Since relationships are of armament. She further added that there women judges, and develop laws that protect important in the African community, people Continent was no CSO representation in the London women. try not to spoil them. If someone rapes and Paris conference on silencing guns. She within family, it’s wanted to be kept a secret. • There should be harmony in dealing with, This session was chaired by Mme Soyata Maiga asked for all women to stand in solidarity for Relationships get into the way of justice. and addressing the need of different types of (Special Rapporteur of Women’s Right in Africa, the implementation of the peace and security women, illiterate and literate. • In Equatorial Guinea women can have access African Commission on Human and People’s agenda in Nigeria. to land; however there are traditions that Rights (ACHPR). • The UNECA is currently collecting reports from oblige them to join their husband’s families. 54 countries on how they have implemented Ms. Osai Ojigho, Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Harriette William Bright, Advocacy If woman divorces her husband she leaves Bejing +20, though only 4 countries have Alliance for Africa from Nigeria reminded the Director, FAS discussed how women in South the land she worked on for the family. 60% submitted reports. GIMAC participants that it had been 67 days Sudan lobbied in Addis at the GIMAC. South of women in Equatorial Guinea are married since the girls of Chibok, Nigeria went missing. Sudanese women were also present at the CSW • The UN Women representative promoted the in traditional settings and there should be She asked that schools be made safer for girls, where they met with the Women’s Caucus. In planned intergovernmental and ministerial mechanisms addressing this problem. pointing out that boys have not encountered addition GIMAC members signed requests to meeting for November 2014 and its campaign similar situations. She also critiqued the recent participate in the IGAD negotiation processes on Beijing +20 with the motto “Empowering • Participants called for an end to stigma and publication of the girls’ faces in a paper that may and as a result seven men and seven women women, Empowering Humanity : Picture it !” for women lawyers to volunteer to represent women victims of sexual and gender based undermine attempts to assimilate them back were included in the peace process. violence. into society. Ms. Rita Martin Lopida Abraham, representative Ms. Ojigho highlighted that Nigeria is a federal of South Sudanese women networks was unable state and that there is ambiguity on whether to attend the GIMAC due to her commitment the government can influence the particular in the peace process that was taking place. province where instability has been taking place. According to Ms Bright, Ms Rita was concerned She further stated that the abduction of the girls that the two parties were not approaching the demonstrates how they can be war spoils, can situation seriously and asked GIMAC participants be sold or even utilized to satisfy sexual needs. how it would be possible to move forward in this situation. She highlighted the development disparity in terms of education in Nigeria, where the North The speaker also discussed the solidarity is lagging behind from the rest of the country, as mission in CAR which tried to capture the voice a major challenge. Ms Ojigho pointed out that of the women. The mission met with religious efforts must focus on how to handle the girls and political leaders as well as victims. The CAR come back, and identifying ways of assisting the adopted a national action plan on 1325 in 2013. victims’ families. Ms Roselyne Toweh assesses advances Ms Brenda Muturi stresses sexual and of the gender agenda reproductive health and rights as well as food security

28 29 DISCUSSION SESSION VI She explained to the meeting that a GIMAC interim Steering Committee had been formed Implementation of the Solemn comprising the following member organizations: the GIMAC needed to demonstrate solidarity • The participants urged people to think of how for Nigeria for instance by wearing red at the Declaration on Gender Equality in to handle the girls in Nigeria once they return. • Women in Law and Development in Africa opening session of the summit. Africa and GIMAC Way Forward (WiLDAF) - Vice Chair • Similarly violence against women in Uganda • Pockets of violence in the Eastern DRC were and in Nigeria were highlighted, encouraging • Ipas Africa Alliance also highlighted as destabilizing the life of women to take a stand against this. The speaker numerous families and leading to diseases and Dr. Angelina Dawa, the chairperson of the • Abantu for Development urged participants to converge in Nigeria and interim GIMAC steering committee made a famine. • Forum for African Women Educationalists Nigerian women networks need to prepare for presentation to update the general GIMAC (FAWE) the solidarity mission. It was added that Members on their main tool of AU engagement (SDGEA) and the way forward for the GIMAC. • Egyptian Business Women Association (EBWA) Dr. Dawa stated that since 2002, GIMAC members have held biannual consultations prior • Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) - Secretariat to AU Summits. These consultations brought • African Centre for Constructive Resolution of together women’s organizations and networks Disputes (ACCORD) to share, discuss and push forward the AU gender programme and the inclusion of women • Foundation for Development Community in decision-making processes. (FDC) “24 Consultative meetings down the line, we • African Leadership Forum (ALF) continue to treasure and nurture this space to deliberate and influence from a gender • The Diaspora and perspective on the theme of the AU summit • African Youth Initiative on Climate Change emerging issues in Africa, implementation of (AYICC). the SDGEA, network, touch base, refresh our Maître Soyata Maiga chairs this session Ms Harriette Williams Bright discusses Dr. Dawa explained that the main objective of technical aspects of FAS advocaccy spirits, sharpen the saw, organize, take stock, achievements plan and strategize”, said Dr. Dawa. the GIMAC’s interim steering committee is to: Dr. Dawa outlined that 12 years and 24 Pre- • Articulate the background of GIMAC and summit consultations later, GIMAC had come of chart out how it has evolved – in terms of Age and achieved the following: membership, thematic content and it’s various processes • Efficient co-ordination by FAS. • Facilitate the development of a strategic • Documenting of GIMAC best practices in a plan that would provide guidance for future best practice booklet. operations (including membership criteria that • Fine-tuning the GIMAC’s main mandate – the clarifies the value members organizations add monitoring of the implementation of SDGEA – to GIMAC as well as the benefits they derive by identifying our indicators through the SDGEA from the network activities). index. She concluded by mentioning that a survey had been done by the use of questionnaires to gather Ms Joy Onyesoh addresses the core From left to right : Ms Osai Ojigho, • A GIMAC secretariat, in Addis, generously problem of armament and urged solida- Brenda Muturi and Joy Onyesoh hosted by the UNECA, to enable women information from the members on the future of rity for silencing guns in Nigeria to continue their work with the AU more GIMAC. She promised to share the report with efficiently. members once the analysis was completed.

30 31 CLOSING REMARKS ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES Positive initiatives have been discussed at the In the closing remarks, Dr. Thelma Awori meeting and it is essential to implement these pointed out that GIMAC has brought awareness ideas. The speaker congratulated the women of The 24th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting was On Agricultural Growth and Transformation: of what is happening on the ground, and acted Equatorial Guinea for being part of the GIMAC co-organised by Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) • The summit reiterated the importance of as a platform to bring the youth and consult with and stated that their presence is important as and Women in Law and Development in Africa investing in multi-sectoral engagement and co- them. The network has demonstrated solidarity more voices are needed from the ECCAS. Even (WiLDAF). Roughly 200 participants from the ownership of the agricultural transformation with women across Africa and needs to continue if there has been great success there is a need to civil society organisations that form the GIMAC agenda with different public sectors, including to express solidarity with the women in Nigeria. continue. network, as well as individuals and organisations infrastructure, energy, trade, industry, health, interested in the gender dimensions of the science and technology, education, in order Summit, attended this meeting. A summary to optimize outcome, resource use, synergy of key recommendations in English, French and impact. It requested the Commission and Spanish were produced and disseminated and the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating to the AUC, the RECs, African Heads of State Agency (NPCA), to facilitate and follow and Government, African delegates and up the implementation of commitments international development partners. Supporting towards accelerated agricultural growth and lobbying platforms were equally put in place transformation goals. through targeted media interviews with Radio France Internationale (RFI) and Africa 24 to • The assembly reaffirmed commitment towards increase the 23rd GIMAC’s visibility through ensuring an all inclusive and participatory media coverage. agricultural growth and transformation. That could be done through the creation of the Dr. Thelma Awori sharing the closing Dr. Angelina Dawa shares the main appropriate policy, institutional and budgetary remarks objectives of the GIMAC interim Outcomes support, the facilitation of preferential entry, steering committee as well as the participation of women and The Advocacy initiatives that complemented youth in gainful and attractive agri-business the 24th GIMAC consultative meeting opportunities. The Pre-summit further and the previous GIMAC meetings led reiterated GIMAC’s stance on the inclusion to several outcomes. One key outcome of small holder farmers by calling member was the reaffirmation of the Assembly’s states to place them at the centre of decision commitment towards ensuring an all-inclusive making and implementation of the agricultural and participatory agricultural growth and transformation agenda. transformation by creating the necessary appropriate policy, institutional and budgetary On Women’s Empowerment and Human Rights: support and conditions to facilitate preferential • GIMAC’s recommendation on the education entry and participation for women and of girls was endorsed by the summit. As a youth in gainful and attractive agri-business result, the summit declared its commitment opportunities. The Assembly further reiterated to effectively invest in multi-sectoral programs the GIMAC’s stance on the inclusion of small such as the education of girls and boys and the holder farmers, by calling member states to empowerment of women and men. Moreover, The Women in Law and Development Ms Oumou Kaltoume Moustapha and place the small holder farmers at the centre of the summit reflected GIMAC’s commitment in Africa delegation (WILDAF) Ms Mariam Issa Karidjo listening to the decision making and implementation of the to the protection and promotion of women’s agricultural transformation agenda closing remarks humans rights, by urging Member States to take As a result, the final outcome document from necessary measures to eliminate child marriage, the 23rd Heads of State and Government and strongly condemning the kidnapping, by Summit included several decisions that were Boko Haram, of over two hundred young girls in born out of the advocacy efforts of the GIMAC Northern Nigeria. network, as follows:

32 33 On Women, Peace and Security: from Angola, Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe from Uganda, and Dr. Luisa Diogo from • The summit reiterated the GIMAC’s views on Mozambique as members of the Panel of the the Women, Peace and Security agenda, by Wise; Recommendations encouraging all Malian stakeholders concerned to work towards the speedy convening of the • Mrs. Kheïra Ouguini of the People’s Democratic We, representatives of African civil society Appreciating the decision of African Heads Inclusive peace Talks, and calling up on South Republic of Algeria as member of the UN organizations and African women, including of State and Government to devote the 23rd Sudanese conflicting parties to live up to their Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination women farmers and pastoralists, market women Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African commitments and the expectations of their against Women; and young women, meeting under the umbrella Union to the theme of Agriculture and Food people. of the Gender is my Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Security, On the Collaboration between Gender Ministers, for the 24th African Women’s Pre-Summit On the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality the RECs, UNECA and NEPAD Gender Focal Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming Recalling the recommendations of the 23rd in Africa: Persons of the RECs in the African Union (AU) in Malabo,Equatorial African Women’s Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the • The summit encouraged all Member • The ministers valued the opportunity for Guinea from 19-20 June 2014, African Union (AU) in January 2014, States to submit their annual reports on the engagement with representatives from citizens’ Appreciating the support given to the GIMAC implementation of the Solemn Declaration on organisations of women through GIMAC, and by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Gender Welcoming the commitment of the AUC Gender Equality in Africa. Consequently, this the joint discussions and inputs on Agenda 2063. Equality of Equatorial Guinea, AU/United Chairperson to women’s rights and gender reinforces GIMAC’s recommendations on this The Ministers pledged to consider continuation Nations Development Programme (UNDP) mainstreaming in Africa and her appointment subject matter. of the practice started at the 23rd consultative Regional Programme on Gender, African Union of a Special Envoy on Women, Peace and meeting in June 2014, in Malabo to hold joint Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Security. Further welcoming the presence and On Agenda 2063: meetings between the Gender Ministers, the Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN Women, engagement of the AUC Chairperson, the AUC Gender Focal persons for the RECs, UNECA, • The summit highlighted its commitment Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), Women in Law Chairperson’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace NEPAD and GIMAC members on the margin AU towards the inclusion of women’s experiences and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Ipas Africa and Security, Ministers of Gender, and the Summits. and perspectives in Agenda 2063 by reiterating Alliance, Urgent Action Fund, World YWCA Gender Focal Points of the Regional Economic Communities and the New Partnership for its call to all African stakeholders, particularly • The ministers commended and supported the and Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund (SMWF), to Africa’s Development (NEPAD), during the 24th youth, women and the Diaspora, to provide mandate of the AU Chairperson’s Special Envoy promote accountability on women’s human African Women’s Pre-Summit Consultative their support and contributions with a view to on Women and Peace and Security to work rights and development in Africa during the 23rd Meeting, consolidating the draft Agenda 2063. towards the protection of the rights of women Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African On efforts towards gender parity: and children in conflicts, the prevention of Union, Committed to continual engagement of Gender conflicts and for the participation of women at Reaffirming the African Union Gender Parity Ministers in GIMAC Pre-Summit meetings, The Summit made the following appointments: the negotiating table in all peace processes; and Principle (2002), the Protocol to the African appreciated the concrete link between peace Having deliberated on prevailing and emerging • Mrs. Solomy Balungui Bossa from Uganda Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the and development, through the AUC initiative of issues affecting women and girls in Africa, as judge for the African Court of Human and Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) women’s economic empowerment and political People’s Rights; (2003), the Solemn Declaration on Gender Urge the Assembly of Heads of State and participation. Equality in Africa (2004), the African Youth Government to take action on the following • Engneer Albina Faria Assis Pereira Africano Charter (2006), and United Nations Security recommendations: Council resolution 1325 (2000),

1. Commit to and increase financing for women and youth farmers and pastoralists, and ensure that national budgets allocated to the agriculture sector, as well as expenditures, are gender disaggregated and inclusive of smallholder farmers; 2. Invest in road, storage and green technology infrastructure, facilitate access to credit, improved seeds and irrigation, and support women in the shift from labor intensive farming mechanisms to affordable, targeted and effective agricultural mechanization technologies;

34 35

Chairs and speakers

3. Adopt and implement legal frameworks that ensure gender equality in all spheres of decision- making, as well as women’s land ownership and control. Conduct nationwide sensitization programs on the implementation of gender-sensitive land laws and policies; 4. Invest in the education of girls, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Provide secure and safe spaces of learning for girls and implement international Ms. HARRIETTE WILLIAMS Ms. KAFUI KUWONU Mr. LEO HEILEMAN Ms. BINETA DIOP Ms. CARMEN ECORO human rights commitments on protection and legal redress on the issue of violence against BRIGHT Program Officer at Resident Coordinator of African Union Minister of Social Affairs women and girls, including kidnappings, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, and early Advocacy Director of Women in Law and the United Nations Commission and Gender Equality, Femmes Africa Solidarité Development in Africa Development Chairperson’s Special Equatorial Guinea and forced marriages; (FAS) (WiLDAF) Programme (UNDP) Envoy for Women, Peace and Security - Founder 5. Commit to the eradication of all forms of extremism and accelerate the adoption, financing and Chair of the Board of and implementation of national action plans on women, peace and security. Urge conflict parties Femmes Africa Solidarité to seriously engage in peace negotiations and honor peace agreements, and ensure women’s protection, humanitarian access, and full and meaningful participation in conflict resolution processes in Central African Republic, South Sudan, Nigeria and across the Sahel; 6. Support and strengthen references to commitments on women’s human rights in Agenda 2063 and the Post-2015 sustainable development goals and targets, including strengthened references to women, peace and security and sustainable, inclusive economic development. Conduct and include civil society organizations in comprehensive national and regional reviews on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action; 7. Fulfill commitment to report annually on the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa. Dr. THELMA AWORI Ms. RIHANATA COM- Ms. BARIETOU AGBERE Ms. ANTOINETTE YAH Mr. BOAZ KAIZIRE Chair of the Board of the PAORE OUEDRAOGO Member of ROPPA Representant of YWCA African Union Commis- Institute for Social a farmer from Burkina women’s college and far- Sierra Leone sion Head of Division Adopted on 20 June 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Transformation Faso mer Agriculture and Food Se- curity

Dr. Thelma Awori encourages GIMAC to Ms. Kgothatso Mokoena and Ms. Ms. WORE NDIAYE Ms. OUMA KALTOUME Ms. NDEYE ROSALIE LO Ms. LUSU SLOAN BRENDA MUTURI Policy Miniger move the gender agenda forward. Hendrika Okondo, World YWCA. KANDJI MOUSTAPHA NEPAD Gender Focal Liberia Marketing Project Coordinator at Campaign Point Association and Sirleaf Ipas Africa Alliance Femmes Africa Solidarité Representative at GROW Market Women’s Fund Niger (SMWF)

36 37 Mr. ZARR YARPAH Dr. AMANY ASFOUR Dr. ROSE MWEBAZA H.E. Dr. NKOSAZANA Acting Executive Director, Vice President of Inter- Gender Advisor DLAMINI ZUMA, Sirleaf Market Women’s national Federation for Bureau of the Chairperson for the Fund (SMWF) Business and Professional Chairperson, African African Union Women (BPW) Union Commission Commission

GIMAC Steering Committee Femmes Africa Solidarité Mr. MANDLA M. Ms. LETTY CHIWARA Ms. KGOTHATSO Ms ROSELINE TOWEH Representative Office MADONSELA UN Women MOKOENA General Secretary of African Union Representative to Youth Coordinator of YWCA Liberia C/O UNECA - P.O. Box 3001 Commission Director for Ethiopia, African Union YWCA South Africa Strategic Planning (AU) and Economic Addis Ababa - Ethiopia Commission for Africa Tel : +251 115 445 358 (ECA) http://www.genderismyagenda.com

MAITRE SOYATA MAIGA Ms. OSAI OJIGHO Ms. JOY ONYESOH Dr. ANGELINA DAWA Special Rapporteur of Deputy Executive President of WILPF Chairperson of the Women’s Right in Director at Alliance for Nigeria interim GIMAC steering Africa, African Africa from Nigeria committee The pictures of the 24th GIMAC are available on Flickr. Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR)

38 39