The Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) concluded its annual People’s Summit on Saturday with a call to action for SADC leaders to address pressing issues of gender equality and youth empowerment.
Over 500 representatives from various social movements in the region attended the summit in Harare.
Presenting the summit’s outcome to media practitioners in Harare, Secretary-General Janet Zhou emphasized the need for SADC Heads of State and Government to “institutionalize gender-responsive budgeting and policies that are inclusive of women’s rights and needs, particularly those from marginalized groups and communities across the SADC region.”
Zhou stated that SADC leaders should also “expedite the implementation of affirmative action policies that ensure women’s active participation in political, economic, and social decision-making spheres at all levels.”
SADC leaders were also urged to help women secure their land rights through land tenure reform programs and to address child marriage and violence against women and girls.
“Prioritize the reform of land tenure systems to ensure that women have secure land rights. Adopt a multi-sectoral approach to comprehensively address the issue of child marriage and violence against women and girls,” Zhou said.
“Domesticate the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage,” she added.
SADC leaders were also urged to “invest in youth empowerment through job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to capital, and markets.”
Additionally, SAPSN called for the free movement of goods and people, the removal of visas, and the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.
“Allow the free movement of goods and people in the region as well as the removal of visas to allow true regional integration and development for young people. Promote inclusion and full participation of young people in decision-making processes,” Zhou said.
