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Commonwealth Leaders Urged: “No More Delays” for Gender Equality

At the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Apia, Samoa (21-22 October 2024), over 400 delegates, including leaders, advocates, and business figures, issued a strong call for transformative action to eliminate the barriers facing women and girls across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

Key Challenges and Solutions

A recent UN report underscores the slow pace of gender equality progress, warning it could take 137 years to eradicate poverty among women and reach gender parity in parliaments by 2063. Delegates at the forum highlighted critical areas for urgent intervention:

  • Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Urged for comprehensive policies, better victim support systems, and societal change.
  • Leadership Representation: Called for targeted policies to elevate more women into leadership roles.
  • Economic Opportunities: Advocated for increased investment in women-led initiatives, especially in climate resilience.
  • Intersectionality Focus: Addressed the need for policies tackling overlapping discrimination based on age, disability, and identity.

Powerful Voices for Change

Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General:
“None of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 targets for gender equality are on track. This must change now. No more delays.”

Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, emphasized a cultural shift:
“We must collectively wage a war against gender-based violence.”

Siliniu Lina Chang, President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, shared a victim’s poignant words:
“Let it [abuse] end with me.” She called for practical solutions, such as trained medical support and safer courts for survivors.

Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, stressed male involvement:
“Men must be part of the conversation—not just as advocates, but active participants.”

Looking Forward: Concrete Action for 2030

The forum’s recommendations aim to guide Commonwealth nations toward bold commitments and ensure 2030 becomes the deadline for gender inequality’s end. With a focus on education, inclusion, and civic engagement, these initiatives seek to create a future where no woman or girl is left behind.