EU, Femnet launch initiative to push for women rights
The European Union and African Women’s Development and Communication Network (Femnet) have urged African governments to strengthen frameworks to increase gender equality and women’s rights.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday evening during the launch of the Strengthened Women’s Networks Greater Impact programme, a Femnet-Oxfam partnership programme funded by EU, delegates said governments cannot purport to address inequalities without ensuring gender equality.
The programme aims at increasing the effectiveness of the women’s movement to influence policies on women’s rights.
The initiative will be implemented in Kenya, Mali, Tunisia, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Rwanda and Mauritius.
Addressing the forum Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet secretary Margaret Kobia lauded the partnership.
“I applaud the European Union for recognising the importance of advocacy by non-State actors in advancing gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.
EU Head of Development Cooperation Hubert Perr expressed optimism the partnership will go a long way in transforming lives of women in Africa.
Femnet executive director Memory Kachambwa said the initiative will empower women to hold governments accountable.
