Today, March 8, 2014, we commemorate International Women's Day under the theme “Equality for Women is Progress for all”. The theme highlights the urgent need for concrete actions to achieve true gender equality for sustainable socio-economic development as also stated in the recently launched Report of the Commission on Women’s Health in Africa.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women of 1979, the United Nations system-wide policy on gender equality and the empowerment of women in 2006, and resolution WHA60.25, adopted by the World Health Assembly(WHA) in 2007 highlight the need for priority to be placed on women’s rights, health and development.
Following these international agreements, countries in the Region have made commendable efforts on various fronts to enhance the status of women. Most countries have adopted legislation for sexual and reproductive health and gender equality. Others have introduced measures to ensure equality between men and women in strategic health planning.
Although women's equality has made positive gains, the world is still unequal and much remains to be done. In the African Region, there are several obstacles to improving the health of women and girls including the high levels of maternal mortality and HIV infection among women and the high rates of adolescent pregnancy.
In most countries, stereotypes and discrimination based on gender persist. Issues affecting women’s health such as physical, sexual and psychological violence, low economic status, illiteracy, early marriage of young girls and female genital mutilation are some of the problems occurring daily in our societies. These increase women’s vulnerability and compromise the important role they play in their families, communities and the society at large.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, I urge and encourage all countries to review progress and intensify efforts to ensure equity and women's empowerment. Given that women in Africa represent slightly over 50% of the continent’s human resources and are the primary guardians of the future generation, society as a whole will benefit if women are given the opportunity to realize their full potential.
To quote an African proverb "One arm cannot surround the baobab”. Let us therefore join forces to ensure that the future and the health of women and girls are not compromised simply because they were born female. Concerted action is needed in all sectors particularly health, education, finance, justice, environment and social affairs.
Together we can make a difference.
I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the WHO Regional Office for Africa to continue the support to countries in their efforts to promote gender equality, in collaboration with Development Partners, UN agencies, International Organizations and Research Institutions.
Equality for Women is Progress for All
Thank you