The 6th ‘Gender is My Agenda’ campaign (GIMAC) Conference has ended with a call for the promotion of a gender-responsive educational transformation across Africa.
Held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, the conference was on the theme: ‘Empowering African Youth through Education: A Catalyst for Socio-Economic and Gender-Responsive Transformation.’
Among other objectives, the conference sought to promote inclusive education through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including AU bodies, RECs, and civil society organizations (CSOs), UN agencies, and other partners.
It leveraged collective expertise and resources to address the unique needs of marginalized groups and ensure their full participation in educational opportunities.
The GIMAC conference focused on the educational transformation necessary for gender equity and sustainability, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25).
Dr Helen Ke
zie-Nwoha, the Chairperson of the GIMAC Network and Executive Director of Researchers Without Borders said the conference aligned with the African Union’s 2024 Year of Education theme, ‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century.’
She said education, as a cornerstone for development, demanded holistic approaches, policy reforms, and financial commitments.
Dr Kezie-Nwoha said ensuring quality and relevance of education, equipping the youth with skills aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
That, she added, was vital to achieving the pursuit of empowering the youth, particularly young women, through education, which was conversely pivotal for Africa’s sustainable development and active global participation.
The Chairperson said prioritizing educational transformation, especially for young women, contributed to the goals of achieving gender equality and ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
The theme, she said, resonated with Article 13 of the Africa Youth
Charter on providing the youth with quality education and skills development for active societal participation.’
The GIMAC Young Women Network, established in 2018, amplifies the voices of vulnerable young women and advocates for their rights across Africa,’ Dr. Kezie-Nwoha said.
Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, who opened the conference, said accessible quality education for all was key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on education.
He stressed that ‘Education is a powerful tool for achieving gender equality.’
‘By providing girls with the same educational opportunities as boys, we can break down traditional gender roles, empower young women, and promote a more balanced and equitable society,’ the Commandant said.
Educated women, according to the Commandant, were more likely to uplift their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of socio-economic benefits.
Major General Gyane reiterated KAIPTC’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainable dev
elopment across the African continent as stated in the strategic objective three of the Centre’s 2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan.
‘With this, we recognize that achieving these goals is inextricably linked to addressing and dismantling the deep-seated gender inequalities that persist in our societies,’ he stated.
The Commandant said it was only through the inclusion and active participation of women, the empowerment of our youth, and the respect and care for the elderly, the health and education of the citizenry that Africa could truly foster equitable and enduring peace.
Source: Ghana News Agency
