First Lady Monica Chakwera has called on other First Ladies on the continent to continue honouring their commitment to promoting the well-being of women and girls across the region as one way of ‘re-shaping the world.’
Chakwera made the plea on Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when she addressed a closed session of the 29th general assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad) under-way at the African Union (AU) Headquarters.
She spoke in her capacity as a member of the Oaflad’s Steering Committee and on behalf of that she was proud of what the grouping has achieved since its inception in 2002.
Collectively, Chakwera said Oaflad members have actively addressed the barriers to girls’ education, brought the spotlight on issues of gender-based violence and have made significant strides in advocacy for health and economic empowerment.
“We have amplified the voices that need to be heard, challenged the norms that need to be changed, and supported each other in our pursuit of a truly equitable society. These strides we have taken to-gether make me hopeful for the future we are creating. Together, we are not just shaping policies and practices. We must continue reshaping mindsets and reshaping the world,” she said.
During the Friday session, Oaflad ushered in new leadership through an election which saw Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, elected new Oaflad president while Angola’s First Lady Ana Afon-so Diasi Lourenco was voted the Vice-President.
In the same elections, Malawi, through Chakwera, retained her position as a member of the Statutory Steering Committee.
To the new leadership, Chakwera had specific words of advice: “Let us carry the momentum and inspi-ration, embracing the opportunities and challenges ahead with the same passion and dedication that brought us here today.”
She said Malawi looks forward to working with the new leadership and continuing the legacy of em-powerment and advocacy for gender equality and also continue to honour Oaflad’s commitment to promoting the well-being of women and girls in Africa.
The assembly, which closes today, was held under the theme: “Building on Beijing: First Ladies Champi-oning Women’s Leadership and Rights Through African Heritage.
