Role of Accounting in the Economy
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ADF IV WOMEN AND GOVERNANCE FOCUS GROUP
ISSUES PAPER
Introduction
There is a consensus that good governance[1] is a prerequisite for sustainable development. In recent years (OAU, 1990) African Heads of State and Governments have pledged to create a political environment that guarantees human rights, observes the rule of law, and ensures high standards of probity and accountability in those who hold political office. This vision must include the participation of all segments of society, especially those that have been traditionally excluded – young people and women. The imperative for including women in all structures of governance is based on the fact that inequalities in representation are not only a violation of women’s basic human rights but are also inimical to long-term socio-economic development. Gender inequalities retard economic growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Objective of the Focus Group
The purpose of the ADF IV Women and Governance Focus Group is to examine some of the major obstacles that hinder women from participating in various governmental structures and systems and the necessary actions to expand women’s effective participation in policymaking.
1) Political representation
In Africa, women are underrepresented at all levels of political decision-making. While it is true that most countries endorse women’s rights in their constitutions, they fail to follow up with action to ensure women’s effective participation. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) indicates that in sub-Saharan Africa, women in parliament (both houses combined) constitute only 14.3% in 2003, as compared with 11.5% in 2000. There is thus a need to enact national laws that will not only accelerate the increase in women’s participation but also create an awareness among women about their rights. It is in this regard that there is need to monitor and implement the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women...
ISSUES PAPER
Introduction
There is a consensus that good governance[1] is a prerequisite for sustainable development. In recent years (OAU, 1990) African Heads of State and Governments have pledged to create a political environment that guarantees human rights, observes the rule of law, and ensures high standards of probity and accountability in those who hold political office. This vision must include the participation of all segments of society, especially those that have been traditionally excluded – young people and women. The imperative for including women in all structures of governance is based on the fact that inequalities in representation are not only a violation of women’s basic human rights but are also inimical to long-term socio-economic development. Gender inequalities retard economic growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Objective of the Focus Group
The purpose of the ADF IV Women and Governance Focus Group is to examine some of the major obstacles that hinder women from participating in various governmental structures and systems and the necessary actions to expand women’s effective participation in policymaking.
1) Political representation
In Africa, women are underrepresented at all levels of political decision-making. While it is true that most countries endorse women’s rights in their constitutions, they fail to follow up with action to ensure women’s effective participation. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) indicates that in sub-Saharan Africa, women in parliament (both houses combined) constitute only 14.3% in 2003, as compared with 11.5% in 2000. There is thus a need to enact national laws that will not only accelerate the increase in women’s participation but also create an awareness among women about their rights. It is in this regard that there is need to monitor and implement the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women...