Commonwealth leaders urged to work harder to ensure no woman is left behind

TO Murray FaivaluRadio Capital of Samoa

Commonwealth leaders are being urged to work harder to remove the barriers and prejudices that continue to hold women and girls back across its 56 member countries.

This call for urgent action comes from a report reflecting the voices of more than 400 delegates, including prime ministers, ministers, women’s rights advocates and business leaders, who attended the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Apia, Samoa, from 21 to 22 October.

The report will be presented to Commonwealth leaders this week to call for stronger action to change the status of women in government, business and society.

A recent United Nations report shows that while gender equality is achievable, progress remains alarmingly slow. At current rates, lifting all women out of poverty could take 137 years, and gender parity in parliaments will not be achieved until 2063.

In their report to leaders, delegates responded with calls for stronger protections against gender-based violence, policies to attract more women to leadership, economic empowerment and investment in women-led climate solutions.

A central theme of the report is the need to develop dedicated policies that address intersecting forms of discrimination, including disability, age and identity, to ensure that all women and girls have the opportunity to live in dignity and security.

Speaking at the closing session of the Women’s Forum, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr Arjun Suddu acknowledged the slow progress.

He said: “None of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 targets on gender equality and women’s empowerment are being met. This must change now. There can be no more delays.”

“The recommendations you have developed together will help our 56 Commonwealth countries take bold action to make 2030 the end date for gender inequality.”

Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Disability Affairs, delivered a powerful message at the forum.

“Humanity is at war with its women, girls and other vulnerable groups. This cannot be taken as normal,” she said.

Letsike, a survivor of gender-based violence, called for radical change not only in laws and policies, but also in hearts and minds. “We must collectively wage the war against gender-based violence,” she concluded.

Siliniu Lina Chang, president of the Samoan Abuse Support Group, reiterated the need for urgent action by sharing the last words of a femicide victim who said: “Let this (the abuse) end with me.”

-Capital Radio Samoa