Africa: Climate change, poverty still a threat to women’s development – Leaders

Climate change, poverty and stereotypes are among the issues identified as the main challenges that still hinder the development of women in Africa.

This was highlighted by members of the Pan African Movement (PAM) – Rwanda Chapter when they addressed the media on Friday, July 29, ahead of African Women’s Day.

African Women’s Day is observed annually on July 31 across the continent to recognize and affirm the role of women in advancing the social and economic status of their continent and preparing young women in Africa to build bigger families. , peace, as they prepare to be great leaders by connecting them with influential women in the budding fields.

According to the President of the National Women’s Council, Belancille Nyirajyambere, Africa can hardly develop fully while women still face problems such as climate change and poverty.

“As key actors in supporting families, building community resilience and responding to climate-related disasters, women tend to make decisions for the use of basic resources in the interests of families, communities and children. This implies that they are more affected by climate change than men,” she says.

National Women’s Council Executive Secretary Jackline Kamanzi Masabo said failure to recognize women’s role in development, even if it is unpaid care work, remains a challenge and slows down not only their development but also that of families.

“Most families do not understand the principles of harmony and equality such as sharing and valuing household chores, affecting women at home. Everyone deserves value and respect,” he said. she declared.

The Vice President of PAM Rwanda, Twagirimana Epimake, said the role of women in Africa’s development is very evident and there is a need to maintain it.

“When women’s rights are violated, since they are at the heart of the home, so much is damaged at home, in the community and on the continent,” Twagirimana said.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Rwanda has moved up one spot in reducing gender inequality globally to 81.1% and remains the top country in Africa.

Rwanda will celebrate African Women’s Day for the first time, where participants, mostly women, will share success stories with other countries on issues such as; good governance that allows them to participate in leadership, there will also be testimonials from women who have made a career, among others.

The women will also discuss several issues that still hinder their development, share perspectives and testimonies on the path to sustainable development.