ECA to stage major international conference on gender

Abstract

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is to stage an international conference aimed at promoting the pivotal role of women in Africa's economic development. The Conference, entitled "African Women and Economic Development: Investing in our Future", due to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 28 April - 1 May 1998, is being organized in the context of ECA's mandate to follow implementation of the regional Dakar and global Beijing Platforms of Action, which place poverty reduction through the economic empowerment of women as a top priority. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will attend the Conference, set to coincide with the Commission's 40th anniversary. In addition, the gathering will bring together a number of Heads of State and Government, African policy makers, UN organizations and specialized agencies, representatives of civil society, and the donor community. Overall, some 500 participants are expected to attend.