Empowering Women, Empowering Economies: African Development Bank's Celebration of International Women's Day

Strategic Insights -

In the run-up to International Women's Day on March 8, the African Development Bank has organized a series of events at its headquarters in Abidjan, highlighting the critical role of women in Africa's development. On Tuesday, March 3, the Transition Support Department (ORTS) held a brainstorming session on "Empowering women, empowering economies," under the leadership of Special Envoy on Gender Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi. Participants emphasized the importance of financial inclusion, education, and protection of girls and women from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Development Bank's Special Envoy on Gender, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, emphasized the significance of empowering women in fragile situations, citing their critical role in peace-keeping and Africa's development.
  • The Transition Support Department (ORTS) prepared a knowledge product, "Gender and Fragility: Five Key Areas to Consider," which serves as guidance for Bank Operations on addressing gender and fragility in fragile situations.
  • The five key areas to consider include: (i) Assessing fragility from a gender perspective, (ii) Creating economic opportunities for women in fragile situations, (iii) Promoting social inclusion, (iv) Building capacities, and (v) Tackling gender-based violence.
  • The Bank's Private Sector Department (OPSM) and ORTS Departments are expected to discuss strategies for empowering women, while the Finance Vice-Presidency (FNVP) will examine financing options, including the viability of a gender bond.
  • The Bank's Field Offices (FOs) will be linked to events in Abidjan via video-conferencing, and country-level events are planned to commemorate International Women's Day.

Statistics:

  • 50% of Africa's population is female (Source: African Development Bank)
  • Every 90 seconds, a woman dies from complications of pregnancy or childbirth, and 830 women die from maternal causes (Source: World Health Organization)
  • Women's participation in the labor force in Africa is 24%, compared to 76% for men (Source: African Development Bank)

Sources:

  • African Development Bank
  • AllAfrica Global Media
  • World Health Organization