For the representative of the African Union (AU), strengthening the continent’s nutritional resilience by improving agri-food systems, health and social protection is essential.

The AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment also called for accelerating the development of human and economic capital in the region, speaking at a conference organized in Addis Ababa by the Angolan embassy in Ethiopia.

According to Sacko, numerous studies show that women are subject to inequalities in the labor market: in general, only 48 percent of those over 15 years of age are employed; while the proportion for men is 75 percent.

The problems go further, however: gender violence, abandonment by their partners during pregnancy and harassment “are realities that many face,” the official said.

According to the expert, it is necessary to continue examining the opportunities and limitations, in order to empower women and girls “so that they have a voice and participate in equal conditions in decision-making related to nutrition and sustainability”.

The yearly celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8th also represents an invitation to reflection, valid in the field of affective, family and social coexistence, as well as in matters related to the labor market or parity in State institutions.

pgh/llp/gas/mjm