The 2017 International
women's day in Africa will be marked with African Women Intercultural
dialogue an educative society event being put together by All Africa Media
Network (AAMN) and Society for Social Right and Civic Literacy scheduled for
8th of March at Accra International conference center Ghana. The first
lady of the republic of Ghana Her Excellency Mrs. Rebecca Akuffo Addo is
expected to chair the occasion.
Mr. Tirso Dos Santos
Mission Director UNESCO Ghana confirmed UNESCO participation at the dialogue “UNESCO considers gender issues an important dimension in
its operations and will participate in the dialogue,” he said.
Insights and reflections
on the theme of the dialogue "Culture
and Underdevelopment of Women" are expected to come from the
academic world , International development agencies, women in politics ,
diplomats and civil society leaders ,who will engage certain religious
beliefs and cultural practices which innocently condone acts now recognised as
violent to women and linked to their underdevelopment , in order to
create a new inclusive and harmonic path towards total empowerment
and socio-cultural liberation of the African Woman and girl child.
In a media chat with the
Organisers of the event and the confirmed speakers at the dialogue
elaborations were made on the need for the dialogue
"It is a fact that
gender discrimination in Africa is deeply rooted in the ethnic
traditions, cultural practices, supported by archaic laws in ancient religious
texts that has formed the socio-religious belief of many in the recent times,
and African women compliance to some of these acts , are making it tough
for the trend to change. " Cookie Iwuoha the program coordinator AAMN
"in Africa almost
all culture- values perceive women as inferior to men, domestic violence on
women are seen as family issues and are mostly not heard in law courts or tried
by civil laws, most times they are forcefully married out at tender age and
denied their rights to education, and circumcised to tame and deny them sexual
pleasure, gender equity has been an ongoing battle, and will continue to be
throughout this." Imahkus Ababio Matron of AAMN asserted.
'' it is vital to
identify practices that are harmful and that are not indigenous to African
people and traditional cultures. One such practice is the excision of female
genitalia this practice has been falsely attributed as being of African Origin
while it makes no sense according to African belief systems to mutilate women,
I will do all I can to bring light into our consciousness about this somber and
cruel practice, May our ancestors inspire us and open our hearts and mind to
receive.'' Queen Diambi Muata The Monarch of Bakwai Indu people in
Congo DRC stated.
Prof Phillip Ogbonna Founder of
Soren Kierkegaard International Academic society Africa
will be presenting the main
paper at the dialogue.
Women across the
continent are expected at the dialogue, Hajia Gumsu Abacha Fadil from Cameroun,
Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio wife of former Military president of Sierra Leone,
Iyabolade Yeyefini director International Institute of African studies and
Knowledge USA .
Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha,
Mrs. Olufunso Amosun , Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, who are wives of the Governors of
Imo, Ogun and Abia states in Nigeria respectively are expected.
Elder stateswomen Dr.
Amb. Kema Chikwe , Senator Aisha Alhassan Minister of women affairs Nigeria and
Senator Oluremi Tinubu are anticipated to lead contingent of Nigerian
women in Politics.
Protocol,National Chief Imam Ghana,
Alhaji Abul latif Salam affirmed the presence of Sheik Dr Osman Sharubutu
Chief Imam of Ghana at the dialogue to enhance diversity of perspectives.
Resolution from the
dialogue are to be published in various media platforms, the event itself is to
be streamed online on Facebook, to reach a wider number of young African women
and girls, being an all inclusive event, the men will also learn
from the program on the need to adjust their position socially and respect the
rights of women.
After the dialogue Few
women and men contributing to the socio-economic liberation of women in the
continent will be honoured including Her Excellency Hajia Maryam Abacha
former first lady of Nigeria for her initiative in founding African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which its
objective includes building the culture of peace and development in Africa.
The
Mission had offered support and services to victims of conflict and had used
appropriate mechanisms and institutions to protect women and children in armed
conflict countries in the continent.
The Dialogue is
supported by Citylights Group and Footprint 2 Africa.
Tags
Society