AU Urges Women's Economic Empowerment to End Violence

In a recent statement, the African Union (AU) emphasized the critical need of joint efforts to improve women's economic empowerment as a method of breaking the cycle of violence against women and girls in Africa. The AU emphasized that financial inclusion is a realistic step toward gender equality, women's empowerment, and the prevention of domestic abuse.

According to the AU, violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights, a major public health problem, and has serious consequences for individual well-being. The AU stressed that resolving this issue necessitates wide cultural, legal, and normative reforms, making males crucial participants in measures aimed at preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

The AU highlighted the high economic costs associated with violence against women and girls, citing a recent study by the International Labor Organization and UN Women, such as reduced labor supply, decreased productivity, and financial losses to companies due to absenteeism, staff turnover, and potential reputation damage.

This call coincides with the AU's impending continental summit, which is slated for October 30-31 in Moroni, Comoros' capital. The Women Leaders' Consultation on Positive Masculinity, themed "Driving Commitments Towards Women's Economic Empowerment and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls," will call for a dramatic shift in methods to prevent and eliminate all kinds of violence against women and girls.

The gathering will look into new ways to speed programs that provide financial help, credit solutions, money transfers, food aid, and assistance to women's clubs and networks of female entrepreneurs. This project is consistent with one of the primary aims of the African Union's Agenda 2063, a 50-year continental development strategy that sees an Africa driven by its people, notably its women and youth, and devoted to the well-being of children.