By Awa B. Bah
Litha Musyami Ogana, the Director of Gender and Development at the African Union Directorate, on Saturday, delivering a paper on behalf of Dr. Jean Ping, chairperson of the African Union Commission, told participants at the meeting of African Ministers of Gender and Women’s Affairs that the African Union is on track in implementing the commitments under its gender directorate.
Litha remarked, “Over half of the member states (27) have already ratified the Protocol on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, while almost two thirds (20) have reported on Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa. I am delighted to note that out of the 33 countries that have reported on (SDGEA), 13 reported between May and October this year.”

The countries that reported are said to be Algeria, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana Liberia Chad, Congo DRC, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Niger, Seychelles, Nigerian, Kingdom of Lesotho and The Gambia.
Speaking at the occasion, Madam Isatou Njie Saidy, Vice President of The Gambia and also the minister responsible for Women Affairs, admitted that the greatest scourge facing our continent is poverty.
She said this decade provides another impetus for African Women as it will provide them with the opportunity to consolidate in gains made in the quest to attain gender equality and to close existing gaps that serve as barriers to the attainment of these goals.
She added “it will provide the space to influence decision making and policies on gender equality and empowerment as well as prioritise gender equality and empowerment.”