ECOWAS Parliament has pledged its commitment to addressing all issues against women in the region.
The Speaker of the Community Parliament, Sidie Tunis made the commitment during the closing ceremony of the delocalized meeting of the Parliament’s Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Education, Science and Culture, Health in Monrovia, Liberia.
Mr. Tunis gave the assurances that the fifth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament under his leadership will work with all stakeholders to ensure that women issues are addressed to the fullest.
“It is gratifying to witness the successful end of this all important meeting of the Joint Committees on Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment, Education, Science and Culture and Health.
“The meeting, under the theme “The Empowerment of Women in the ECOWAS Sub-region” had by every standard been educative, inspiring and enriching.
“This is more so due to the topical nature of the theme, as well as its importance to the well-being of our people because, whatever affects our women affects our children and will subsequently affect our future.
“The frank exchange from all participants has helped us identify factors mitigating women’s economic and political empowerment in the ECOWAS region and the role Parliament can play in promoting their economic and political empowerment.
“Furthermore, key recommendations emanating from this meeting will be forwarded to line institutions through the ECOWAS Commission, to aid Member States in implementing Article 63 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty which empowers Member States to take charge and address women issues and their development.
“Permit me at this juncture to give the assurance that the ECOWAS Parliament, working with all stakeholders, will endeavor to ensure that women issues are addressed to the fullest.
“We are aware that it requires our genuine commitment and actions, hence the onus is on us to prevail on our States to take bold steps at tackling those issues that deprived women the opportunity to excel and be heard.
“We are optimistic that we will prevail over gender inequalities, fears and vices that hinder the peace, happiness and prosperity of our States,” Tunis said.
Mr. Tunis however commended Members of Parliament, for the countless hours of hard work they have put in, stating that it is a clear demonstration of their commitment to addressing the gender disparity that exist in our region.
The delocalized meeting with the theme “Empowerment of Women in the West African Region” was held to proffer solutions to factors limiting women in the West African region.
Suzan O
