Commonwealth leaders are being urged to step up efforts to remove barriers that hold back women and girls in the 56 member countries.
This call comes from a report representing over 400 delegates, including prime ministers, ministers, women’s rights advocates, and business leaders, who attended the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Apia, Samoa, on 21-22 October 2024.
The report will be presented to Commonwealth leaders, pushing for stronger actions to improve the status of women in government, business, and society.
A recent UN study shows that while gender equality is possible, progress is slow. At this rate, it could take 137 years to lift all women out of poverty, and gender parity in parliaments may not be reached until 2063.
Delegates called for stronger protections from gender-based violence, more women in leadership roles, better economic opportunities, and support for women-led climate solutions. They stressed the need for policies addressing multiple forms of discrimination, such as disability, age, and identity.
At the closing session of the forum, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo acknowledged the slow pace of progress, urging immediate action to end gender inequality by 2030.
Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, called for a united fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing that it’s unacceptable to treat this violence as normal.
Siliniu Lina Chang, President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, shared a victim’s final plea to end abuse and called for practical solutions like trained medical staff and safer court environments for victims.
Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality, while Joleen Mataele from the Commonwealth Equality Network spoke about the role of education in addressing exclusion, especially during climate disasters.
The Commonwealth Women’s Forum was held in Apia in partnership with the Government of Samoa.
