Eddie Burke

African Women and the Changing Global Outlook

On Friday May 8, The British Embassy will host the second Women's Empowerment in Africa conference in partnership with the National Geographic Society at their headquarters in Washington. The conference will examine how the global economic downturn impacts women's empowerment in Africa.

There's no question that the economic downturn will have a significant impact on women. For example, in some African countries there has been a fall in foreign direct investment, remittances, commodity prices and a continuing rise in food prices.

Panelists at this Friday's conference will try to anticipate what affect this economic hardship will have on the Millennium Development Goals. The MDGs represent a fresh desire to provide education and career opportunities to women in impoverished countries.

Unfortunately, education and jobs - which are normally at a premium for women in many parts of the world - are even more restricted given the current economic environment.

Conference participants include Baroness Amos, Former Leader of the House of Lords, Melanne Verveer, Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues, State Department, Mr. Dominick Chilcott Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy, Washington, Ms. Sheila Johnson, CARE Ambassador and Philanthropist and Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, African Union Ambassador to Washington. The sold out conference has received an overwhelming level of support from a range of sponsors including, the National Geographic Society, VOA, The Diaspora report, AllAfrica.com, Council on Foreign Relations, League of Black Women, Africare, The Washington Informer, TransAfrica Forum, Georgetown University, Howard University and Vibrant design group.

I am personally looking forward to hearing some great dialogue and debate between such a varied group of panelists. You can follow the conference no matter where you are in the world by checking out the Embassy's Twitter feed on Friday.

Posted at 10:51 05 May 2009 by Eddie Burke  |  Comments[0]

International Women's Day 2009

Today we mark International Women's Day 2009.

Women are the key to the Millennium Development Goals becoming a reality. The world won’t achieve the MDGs in 2015 without bringing about gender equality and the empowerment of women.

As Gordon Brown quite rightly pointed out in his speech to the UN in September 2007: "The alleviation of poverty and hunger demand global recognition (of) women’s leadership and organizing capacities. Women’s work in agriculture and export promotion are key to sustainable development. The road to sustainable development begins with inclusive policy-making."

Most of the poorest people in the world are women and part of what makes them poor is borne solely out of their gender.

Did you know that in rural Africa it's women, not trucks, who carry two-third of all goods? Many women there are forced to stay at home to work during the day - of course, they sacrifice an education and career do be able to do so.

The MDGs represent a fresh desire to provide education and career opportunities to these women. Some women are not allowed to work at all, however. There are also women afflicted with serious health issues who don't have access to proper treatment. So MDGs not only create opportunities, but also work to promote the equal and fair status of women at home, in education, health, politics and work.

Progress for women not only changes their lives but will better the lives of future generations of women. Women must have equal rights to end poverty. Until then, it won’t happen.

Posted at 13:03 09 March 2009 by Eddie Burke  |  Comments[2]