Women are also important actors in the socio-economic and political transformation of the region, says IGAD Executive Secretary in his statement mark International Women Day.
Ambassador Mahboub Maalim says ‘we cannot credibly talk about promoting peace, prosperity and integration for sustainable development in the region if half of the population is left behind on account of historical, cultural, bureaucratic, political or other grounds of discrimination and exclusion’.
He says ‘the theme of Day, ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change’ is clear call that places gender equality and women’s empowerment on the critical path of attaining the aspirations in the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and the African Union Agenda 2063′.
IGAD Secretariat commends member states and partners for the various efforts directed towards empowering women and girls in the region.
The Secretariat pledges to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges in this area.