The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its dedication to gender equality and human development during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Professor Fatou SOW SARR, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, represented ECOWAS and spoke about the region's progress in promoting women's rights since adopting the Beijing Platform for Action. "Since Beijing, there have been major advances in girls’ education, health, and the fight against gender-based violence. We still have a long way to go, but our commitment remains unwavering," she stated.
Professor Sarr outlined key initiatives designed to improve women's living conditions in West Africa. One such initiative is establishing manufacturing units for reusable sanitary towels aimed at young girls and women in vulnerable situations. "This initiative is not just about hygiene; it also contributes to the economic empowerment of women and the preservation of the environment," said Professor Sarr.
Another significant program is the Women, Peace and Security initiative. This program documents women's situations in conflict zones and supports their involvement in peace processes. ECOWAS emphasizes greater female participation in conflict management. "Yes, we need a female face in conflict management for lasting peace," insisted Professor Fatou SOW SARR.
To assess progress in gender equality more effectively, ECOWAS has developed two tools: the ECOWAS Gender Barometer (ECOGEB), which provides a benchmark for public policy guidance, and the Gender Equality Index that ranks member states based on their efforts to reduce gender disparities. Côte d’Ivoire currently leads this ranking, followed by Senegal and Ghana.
Looking ahead, ECOWAS aims to leverage digital technology and artificial intelligence to enhance women's economic inclusion. The "50 Millions of women have their say" platform has enabled nearly a million women entrepreneurs to access financial resources with improved market positioning through Artificial Intelligence. "We now have the tools and data we need to take more targeted action. Gender equality is not just an ideal; it is an essential condition for sustainable development of our region," concluded Professor Sarr.
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