SADC Heads of State and Government Sign the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development
in
19 Aug 2008
19 Aug 2008
On August 17, 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa, SADC Heads of State and Government signed the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. This represents an important step in work towards the empowerment of women, the elimination of discrimination and the achievement of gender equality and equity. This Protocol is a legally binding agreement compelling SADC Member States to hasten efforts towards gender equity in the Region.
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development calls for far reaching changes and includes timelines for these goals. Included in these goals is the inclusion of gender equality and equity in National Constitutions, the repeal of all discriminatory laws, and work towards the continental goal of fifty percent women in political and decision making positions by 2015.
Including Regional goals in terms of constitutional and legal rights, governance, education and training, productive resources and employment, gender based violence, health and HIV and AIDS, peace building and conflict resolution and the media, the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development will be monitored through reports by the Executive Secretary of SADC to the Heads of State and Government every two years.
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development will now be transformed into national plans of action for implementation as SADC Member States begin the process of ratification.
For further information: Ms. Lisa M. Faye
Technical Advisor - Gender Unit
SADC Secretariat
Tel: +267 3951863 Ext 5109
Email: lfaye [at] sadc [dot] int
Website: www.sadc.int
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development calls for far reaching changes and includes timelines for these goals. Included in these goals is the inclusion of gender equality and equity in National Constitutions, the repeal of all discriminatory laws, and work towards the continental goal of fifty percent women in political and decision making positions by 2015.
Including Regional goals in terms of constitutional and legal rights, governance, education and training, productive resources and employment, gender based violence, health and HIV and AIDS, peace building and conflict resolution and the media, the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development will be monitored through reports by the Executive Secretary of SADC to the Heads of State and Government every two years.
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development will now be transformed into national plans of action for implementation as SADC Member States begin the process of ratification.
For further information: Ms. Lisa M. Faye
Technical Advisor - Gender Unit
SADC Secretariat
Tel: +267 3951863 Ext 5109
Email: lfaye [at] sadc [dot] int
Website: www.sadc.int
Organisation
SADC Secretariat
Source: http://www.sadc.int
