Maputo Protocol/SOAWR celebration   

The second decade of this century has been extraordinary, and it has only just begun. A pandemic, a global downturn and deep societal rifts have brought into sharp focus the issues that are tearing us apart.

The fault line is gender inequality: and its cause is staring us in the face: our society’s own failure to move beyond patriarchal self-interest and act for the common good. Women’s rights were not critical to the human rights framework in 2003, and despite great progress and attention, in 2023, we continue to push to conquer the challenges that hold us back – lack of full legal protection at home and at work, sexual violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation to name just a few.

Africa has shown us that solutions begin with strong strategic leadership, both locally and globally:

• Smart Vision: Outlined in the Maputo protocol is a structure for how African women define a gender-inclusive society as a roadmap for success. We must share that vision with the world.
• Innovative Collaboration: Leader-full systems demonstrated by SOAWR that build policies and plans to execute the vision. A model that is practical, hardworking and has impact. We must learn from it.
• Seamless Execution: Based on advocacy, norm change, legal guarantee, and a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach for healthy growth. We must support it.

When every citizen has a fair shot at fully participating and sharing in the rewards of growth, the economy will be resilient, and our future will be stronger. If women are held back, the world’s glass will always be half empty. Let’s make Equality our common scorecard.

Thank you, each and every one of you, for playing a strong role in lifting Africa up as a model for the world. Equality Now is the call to action for our times.