As part of the validation workshop on the ECOWAS Gender Development and Strategic Plan, Ministers responsible for Gender and Women affairs in the ECOWAS region have held a meeting to validate and adopt the strategic plan (2023 – 2027).
The Strategic Plan (2023 – 2027) of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre aims to promote gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, acceleration of economic and social development and regional integration in West Africa.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu in a speech read for her said, the four pillars of the strategic plan contain the EGDC Governance System, Legal and Political-Institutional Frameworks, Economic Empowerment and Empowerment of Women and Girls, and Partnership for Funding Initiatives to promote gender equality.
“The four pillars are solid blocks to build on the foundations of gender equality laid in the sub-region over the years for sustainable development,” she added.
She said the theme for the Strategic Plan, was appropriate for the ECOWAS gender development centre’s key mandate to transform the region into a fair and safe community in which men and women have equal opportunities to participate, decide, control and take advantage of all development initiatives to mobilize women and empower them to be active participants in the regional integration process.
“When women and girls are given equal opportunities, they can participate fully in economic, political, and social life, contributing to the well-being of their families, communities, and societies as a whole,” she added.
She urged stakeholders, champions, supporters, and collaborators to make more concerted efforts to ensure that gender equity benefit everyone.
The validation of EGDC’s Strategic Plan (2023 – 2027) forms part of key components that come under the ECOWAS’ Vision 2050 which aims to create a fully integrated community of people living in a peaceful and prosperous region, equipped with strong institutions and respect of fundamental freedoms, and working for inclusive and sustainable development.
Priscilla Nimako, ISD
