Ending GBV in Africa a historic responsibility – President Sahle-Work

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2023 (FBC) – Suppressing gender-based violence in the African continent is an historic responsibility, President Sahle-Work Zewde said at the 3rd AU Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity which was held on November 27 and 28, 2023, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Convened under the theme “Consolidating Commitments Towards the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls”, the conference was attended by the FDRE President Sahle-Work Zewde, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, former leaders of various African countries, and ministers from across the continent.

Addressing the Conference, President Sahle-Work commended South Africa’s strides to stop the multifaceted violence faced by women and girls, as well as the diligent efforts being made in some other African countries that can be a benchmark for others.

The president added that it is a historic responsibility to stop sexual and gender-based violence in Africa. The Kinshasa Declaration, the Dakar Call to Action and various consultation conferences will be a great potential and resource for the convention to be prepared by AU on GBV and related issues, in that regard.

She thanked those who took the commitment and responsibility for this process. The President emphasized that the work requires joint efforts and that a change in thinking and attitude is required from all stakeholders at all levels.

It is stated that the 3rd Men’s Conference provides an opportunity to consolidate bold Continental efforts that Heads of State and other sectors have taken towards Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) in Africa including, among others, accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration, the Dakar Call to Action and relevant AU Assembly decisions.

It is mentioned that civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations of African countries are expected to work together on the matter.