Luanda -The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, rural development, and Blue economy, Josefa Sacko, highlighted on Friday in Luanda the importance of the high-level Forum of women of the Great Lakes region, within the scope of transformation of socioeconomic status of the continent.
Speaking to ANGOP, Josefa Sacko said the forum discussed issues related to a region rich in natural resources, which due to insecurity is unable to move forward with programs and improve the living conditions of citizens.
The AU commissioner explained that the event is a contribution to putting an end to the rape of women and children in these conflict areas in the region, underlining that the forum intended to convey the need for the inclusion of women and other forces to contribute to the peace process in the region.
“It aims to make the participating women, when they leave here, work to raise awareness among their authorities so that they can adopt measures to effectively achieve peace in the region”, Sacko said.
Josefa Sacko added that women have mobilized efforts to advocate on the seriousness of the issue, as well as support the vulnerable population in accessing health, education and food.
During two days, the women spoke about, among other topics, “The humanitarian and security situation in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region”, “The economic impact of the conflict on women in the region”, “Mechanisms for the eradication of violence gender-based in the context of conflict” and “Strengthening cross-border peace building and the formation of women’s coalitions”.
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