By Clement Akoloh
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Right Honorable Mohamed Sidie Tunis, has given assurance that the West African regional Legislative body would ensure that member states give maximum attention to women issues in order to empower them to take up top leadership positions.
The Speaker gave the assurance in his closing remarks at the Fifth Legislature’s delocalized meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment / Education, Science and Culture/Health, currently holding in Monrovia, Liberia from 13th-17th April 2021.
The meeting which was held under the theme: “The Empowerment of Women in the ECOWAS Sub-region” was characterized by several presentations on women empowerment from Resource Persons and Experts who outlined various positions and points of view on challenges confronting women in the continent and the way forward.
According to the ECOWAS Parliament Chairperson, the deliberations that followed the presentations were very enriching, and provided important insights that are expected to lead to forward-thinking actions and put the Pan African Parliament in an informed position to address issues concerning women.
“Permit me at this juncture to give the assurance that the ECOWAS Parliament, working with all stakeholders, will endeavor to ensure that women issues are addressed to the fullest. We are aware that it requires our genuine commitment and actions, hence the onus is on us to prevail on our States to take bold steps at tackling those issues that deprived women the opportunity to excel and be heard,” said, Hon. Sidie Tunis.
The Speaker intimated that, the frank exchanges from all participants has helped the MPs to identify factors mitigating women’s economic and political empowerment in the ECOWAS region and the role Parliament can play in promoting their economic and political empowerment.
“Key recommendations emanating from this meeting will be forwarded to line institutions through the ECOWAS Commission, to aid Member States in implementing Article 63 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, which empowers Member States to take charge and address women issues and their development,” he indicated.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
