The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi-Brou, has assured of the commitment of the regional body in improving the participation of women in politics and governance, as well as sustaining measures put in place to drastically reduce Sex and Gender Based Violence.
Mr. Kassi-Brou in his message to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day, celebrated the countless achievements of women across West Africa, saying, the day also presented the opportunity to discuss a better future for the women folk.
The theme of the 2021 IWD is, “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”
The International Women Day celebrated on the eight of March every year, is an opportunity to highlight the economic as well as social and political achievements of women.
It is also an opportunity to take stock of the progress made and the challenges still facing women in relation to the recognition and protection of their right. It further takes stock of the pioneer struggles of preceding years for women’s equality, social, economic, and political rights.
According to the , President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi-Brou, noted that women needed to be celebrated as a show of solidarity and commitment to ensuring that they exercise equal rights as men.
“As is the custom, ECOWAS adopts the global theme of the United Nations in celebration of the IWD”.
Mr. Kassi Brou said to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls there is the need for a keen and holistic analysis in a bid to eliminate the numerous social constraints, barriers and norms which hinder women’s participation in public life.
The theme of the 2021 IWD, is consistent with the priority theme chosen by the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), which is the UN annual session for the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment.
Globally, programmes that brings together governments, civil society organisations, and technical and financial partners involved in gender-related matters are organized to commemorate the day.
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