Source:allAfrica
Members of the National Assembly Monday acknowledged the prominence given to women and youth by the Pan- African Parliament, as the Gambian delegation laid the report of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament, held in Midrand, South Africa, 2015.
The report, tabled by Hon. Bintanding Jarju, the member for Foni Berefet, also outlined the continent's agenda for 2063, which captured a stunning aspirations for the empowerment of women and youth. It equally developed a comprehensive strategy for the continent to meet its long term goals of integration among others.
"The conference noted that 65% of Arica's population is under 35, which illustrates the potential that Africa can reach by 2063 should this potential be utilised," Hon. Jarju said, whilst presenting the report.
She explained that much national level investment has been undertaken by the member states of the African Union and several decisions and those initiatives have been undertaken to ensure the empowerment and development of young men and women.
The integrated dialogue, she said, seeks to explore the role of African lawmakers and legislators in delivering on agenda 2063, while promoting youth development and empowerment.
According to the report, the 2063 Agenda aspired that the African woman would be fully empowered in all spheres, with equal social, political and economic rights, including the rights to own and inherit property, sign a contract, register and manage a business.
"Rural women will have access to productive assets, including land, credit, inputs and financial services," it said.
The lawmaker for Bakau, Hon. Kalifa Jammeh, who seconded that report, said empowering women and youths is very vital, arguing that youths are the future leaders of the continent. He spoke about the importance of education, saying that no nation can be developed without capacity.
He condemned the western tactics in debilitating the continent, saying: "We the Africans are being baffled by the West because of their selfish interest."
The 2063 Agenda also pointed out that all forms of violence and discrimination; socially, economically and politically against women and girls would be eliminated, and that they would fully enjoy all human rights. It added that all harmful practices such as FGM and child marriages will be ended and barriers to quality education, and health for women and girls be eliminated.
"Africa of 2063 will have full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of elected public offices at all levels and half of managerial positions in the public and private sector," the report stated. It added that the economic and political glass ceiling that restricted women's progress would have been shattered.