Gender Monitoring Office chief Oda Gasinzigwa has noted that political will is a key factor in the promotion of gender equality.
Gasinzigwa was at the conclusion of the two day conference that gender related experts from 22 countries, African Union, and United Nations agencies as well as from regional blocs.
The conference involved dialogues to manage diversity and achieving gender equality in political arena.
“Political will has been a major driving force in our country. Where political will exists, necessary measures needed will translate into tangible results,” Gasinzigwa said.
Gasinzigwa also noted that it was crucial to have gender equality financial support such as gender responsive budgeting.
She added that gender equality and empowerment constitutes a core element of managing diversity in the democratic process.
Participants also called for the enhancement of women’s participation in electoral processes in Africa.
Aurelien A. Agbenonci, UN Resident Coordinator to Rwanda, said that it was possible to use elections as a vehicle towards promotion of gender equality.
Participants together believe that the achievement of gender equality is the ultimate provision of inclusive democratization and sustainable development in Africa.
Joseph Chilengi from AU, said that to have an impact, gender equality require coordinated collective action from national, regional and continental.
The meeting was organized prior the Eighth Africa Governance Forum that will take place in 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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