Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the Ivorian Minister of Women, Family, and Children have underscored the need for stronger regional and national efforts to promote gender equality and family well-being in Africa.
During a recent meeting in Abidjan, members of the PAP’s Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities met with Minister Nassénéba Touré to discuss progress on key African Union (AU) protocols and initiatives related to these issues.
The delegation, led by Hon. Mariam Dao Gabala, highlighted the importance of ratifying and domesticating AU protocols on the rights of older persons, persons with disabilities, and social protection and security. They also emphasized the need for a comprehensive legal framework to address gender inequality across the continent.
PAP is currently developing a Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for promoting gender equality in African countries. The law is designed to address gaps in the Maputo Protocol and ensure that national legislation is aligned with international and regional standards.
“This Model Law will serve as a mechanism to domesticate international and regional legal instruments related to gender equality within African countries,” said Hon. Dao Gabala.
In addition to the Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity, PAP is also working on a Model Law on Disability and has recently held a seminar on enhancing African family values. The seminar focused on the need to build the capacity of parliamentarians to monitor the implementation of AU policies and programs related to family welfare.
Minister Touré commended PAP for its efforts to address the systemic challenges facing vulnerable populations. She highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in ratifying and domesticating the Maputo Protocol and noted significant strides in the fight against family discrimination, promotion of women’s access to financial resources, and the protection of civil liberties.
“This progress is the result of women’s economic empowerment through support funds, recent legislative advancements, and the ongoing fight against gender-based violence,” said Minister Touré.
However, she acknowledged that more work remains to be done and welcomed PAP’s Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity. She pledged to review the framework and provide input on behalf of the Ivorian government.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to continue focusing on family support and improving laws that promote the development and well-being of African populations, especially in light of the many challenges facing families today.
