Water For Justice

LESOTHO REPRESENTED AT THE SIXTH ADF

Lesotho will be represented at the sixth African Development Forum (ADF VI) calling for end of violence against women in Africa to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethopia from Wednesday to Friday this week.

At this forum Lesotho delegation will be headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Lesao Lehohla. He will be acompanied by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Lefa Mokotjo and the women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Acting National Director, Mrs. Libakiso Matlho.

Also members from local organisations that advocates human rights, including women' rights such as 'Mantloaneng Early Childhood Curriculum Development and Phomolong Support Group will be represented.

The Forum, one of the principal events of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, is being jointly held with the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

According to ECA the forum, which will be held under theme 'Action on gender equality, empowerment and ending violence against women in Africa', would provide an opportunity to review the progress made on women issues at national, sub-regional and regional levels.

It is also expected to come up with among others a plan of action that will provide clear recommendations for member States and development partners to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In an interview, WILSA's Programme Officer in the Legal Department, said persistent gender inequalities and violence against women continue to be among some of the factors for Africa’s slow progress towards attaining the targets of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and overall social development.

Mrs.'Mamosa Mohlabula, said it is now widely acknowledged that promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment is essential to achieving human development, poverty eradication and economic growth on the African continent.

She noted that the forum will give prominence to eliminating violence against women as a major impediment to social and economic development on the continent and the achievement of the MDGs.

She further expressed hope that the situation of gender inequalities and violence against women in Africa, will be better as this year's forum has included people from the grassroots level.

"The are expected to voice their views regarding gender inequalities and violence against women and what should be done to address them," she said.

The theme for the forum is in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Campaign to end violence against Women launched on February 25, 2008 and which will run from 2008 through 2015 to coincide with the target date for achieving the MDGs.

Other themes that the forum will discuss with regard to gender equality include: HIV and AIDS, health and reproductive rights, education, training and skills development, migration, governance, conflict and peace and security.

Others are, employment, markets and trade, food security, land and property rights, Climate change, water, sanitation and energy, financing for gender equality, and Information and Communication Technology.

The African Development Forum is an ECA initiative intended to advance an Africa-driven development agenda. It presents a unique opportunity to connect African decision-makers with the best policy advice, informed by credible analytical work and relevant experiences.

ADF aims to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilise partnerships around African stakeholders’ goals.

Representatives from all the 54 African countries are expected to attend, while the Lesotho delegation is made up of more than 30 people.