By Jumai Ahmadu

Addressing social norms and stereotypes that have over the years impeded naturally inbuilt women’s potentials of not just being managers and stabilisers in the family, but, also, great contributors to a nation’s socio-economic development is very necessary. The power of investment in African women, through promoting growth, stability and development, is akin to investment in nation.

Hence governments of African states have been tasked to prioritise women and gender inclusion in policy making process such that it will create a pathway and cornerstone of actions by government and development partners. African women should liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local and international NGOs to have mechanisms to interface with industry experts in ICT, media and entertainment in their respective countries in order to instigate deliberate policies on gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. Respective Heads of Governments in Africa, West African States in particular should work towards the establishment of a West African Shipping Line that will create greater and better economic opportunities for African women in various sectors towards empowerment in transportation sector. African Governments are also charged to invest in girls’ aspiration to develop a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while noting the need to close the gender gap in the career of STEM, as well as open more opportunities of comparative advantage to female folks in the field of STEM. The private sector should participate and continue to take the lead in the promotion of gender equality in STEM programmes, while supporting governments to develop deliberate policies to break barriers in gender inequality in the science, tech and engineering career.

All these are part of communiqué issued at the end of 6th Africa Women Conference (AWC) recently held at Sir Dawda Karaibe Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia. The theme of the conference: “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Inclusion Through the Media, ICT and Entertainment Industries” attracted thought provoking paper presentations from diverse backgrounds and experiences on global issues of gender disparity; gender discrimination; gender equal opportunity; sexual and reproductive health of the African woman; child marriage; sexual abuse and a host of other related subjects militating against women empowerment and development in Africa. Women and girls are also encouraged to play more active roles in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development and emphasised the need for solidarity and networking amongst women of influence, power and authority. Movie stars/professionals, music artists and other celebrities are no doubt influential in enthroning exemplary leadership as many of them play vital roles in shaping opinions and lifestyles of their fans through their respective callings. The conference, therefore, appealed to their sentiments to always be good ambassadors to the youth through quality representation.

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Governments of African states have been tasked to prioritise women and gender inclusion in policy making process such that it will create a pathway and cornerstone of actions by government and development partners. African women should liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local and international NGOs to have mechanisms to interface with industry experts in ICT, media and entertainment in their respective countries in order to instigate deliberate policies on gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. Respective Heads of Governments in Africa, West African States in particular should work towards the establishment of a West African Shipping Line that will create greater and better economic opportunities for African women in various sectors towards empowerment in transportation sector. African Governments are also charged to invest in girls’ aspiration to develop a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while noting the need to close the gender gap in the career of STEM, as well as open more opportunities of comparative advantage to female folks in the field of STEM

African women and men who are undergoing the challenges of infertility should seek help through Assisted Reproductive Technology System in order to fight the social trauma associated with infertility. The psychology of infertility often results in emotional violence which puts the African women at the receiving end. All stakeholders should use ICT, the media and entertainment industry to spread the message of Assisted Reproductive Technology System to fight the menace of stigmatisation. Therefore, despite advocacy efforts by various organisations, there is the resolve also that it must continually advocate for social justice and the empowerment of women.

Dr. Ahmadu, Ag. Director, FCT Reform Coordination & Service Improvement Department