Source: Afrique en Ligne
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Sunday called for greater protection for the African women, saying that culture and tradition should not justify the injustices made to them.

Addressing heads of state and government attending the 16th Summit of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ban deplored the violence against African women both in times of peace and armed conflicts.

'We strongly condemn all forms of violence against women in Africa. Whether domestic violence or rape and killings in some parts of the continent in conflict, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),' UN Secretary Genera said.

He also assured that the new UN agency for women (UN Women) would pay particular attention to African women's access to education, health and political responsibility.

'There is progress here and there on the continent regarding women's rights . We must go much further to ensure greater gender equality in Africa. It is not just a matter of justice. The facts show indeed that gender equality is a factor of growth and social peace,' the UN Secretary General stressed.

Women are still excluded from certain responsibilities in Africa, except in some countries like Rwanda and Liberia.