Kenya: Ministers Call for Stronger Women Leadership in COVID-19 Fight

With more than 111,942 coronavirus cases being reported across Africa, the leaders noted that women are more likely to suffer the most as a majority hold precarious jobs, which are often the first to be lost during financial shocks.

“We acknowledge that during this crisis, women are at the forefront, caring for their families and communities, and working in both the formal and informal sector, providing essential services and placing their own lives and health at risk,” the communique reads.

Due to lockdowns and curfew regulations in individual countries, many people are staring at job losses, which will result to a higher rate of poverty.

The women expressed concern over the devastating effects the pandemic will have on health systems, peace and stability, economies, livelihoods and the wellbeing of women and girls.

They called on AU member States and its stakeholders to invest in more gender responsive health systems.

“This includes strengthening preventive and community-based health infrastructures as well as building capacity for the production of medicines and medical equipment,” said the statement.

Countries have further been urged to provide practical support to parents, including, how to manage their mental health and tools support their children’s learning. The leaders noted the need for additional measures to help household caregivers, women and girls with disabilities.

“Include women and girls’ needs and priorities in social assistance, address care work and unpaid care and ensure economic stimulus and budgets target women-specific livelihoods,” they stated.