Southern African gender Ministers met virtually this Friday to address the slow pace of women’s empowerment across the region, warning that time is running out to hit global 2030 development goals.
Chaired by South Africa’s Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the meeting laid bare the stark leadership gap in the bloc. Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary Elias Magosi revealed that women still hold just 28.5% of executive positions across the region, far below the 50% target. Currently, only Namibia and Seychelles have achieved gender parity in their cabinets, while parliamentary parity remains unachieved by any member state.
The Ministers also tackled the region’s ongoing struggle with high rates of gender-based violence. Magosi noted that efforts to fight abuse remain fragmented and underfunded, calling for better data collection and stronger co-ordination between governments.
Despite the challenges, the summit highlighted some economic progress, noting the rollout of a new regional entrepreneurship project designed to support women-owned businesses in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho over the next two years.
–ChannelAfrica/SADC–
