Statement of the Executive Secretary of The Economic Commission For Africa at The First African First Ladies Summit

Abstract

Statement of the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa at the First African First Ladies Summit. The Executive Secretary on his remarks outlined that, the fact that women bear the disproportionate burden of war and conflict, they are seldom involved in the decision-making processes that lead to conflict and peace at the national and international levels. At ECA, in our efforts to carry out strategic institutional changes that will render our role in promoting development in Africa more effective, we have decided to pay special attention to gender issues both within ECA and in our member States. The role that the First Ladies of Africa have carved out for themselves as ambassadors of peace through peace missions in war-torn countries and as advocates for the inclusion of women in negotiating teams as part of the mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution, will add a welcome voice to the recommendations of the African and Global Platforms for Action.