The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Lesao Lehohla headed the Lesotho delegation to the sixth African Development Forum (ADF VI) calling for end of violence against women in Africa that started on Wednesday and will end on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s delegation includes 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.

Other delegates have been drawn from local organisations that advocates for human rights including women' rights such as 'Mantloaneng Early Childhood Curriculum Development and Phomolong Support Group.

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

According to ECA, the forum held under the theme 'Action on gender equality, empowerment and ending violence against women in Africa' will 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.
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.

The event is expected to attract representatives from all the 54 African countries and more than 30 Basotho are among the delegates.
 

Source: LENA 19/11/2008