Nkafu Debate : Reducing Gender Inequality in Central Africa Requires a Change of Mindsets
Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 02:00 pm-04:30 pm
Venue: Muna Foundation (Register now)
Download Concept Note & Program
Background
When talking about gender inequality in ECCAS, the focus is primarily on women, for there are still many aspects of socioeconomic and political life that hinder women’s empowerment. Africa has made tremendous progress in developing progressive laws, policies, and institutions that foster gender equality and protect women’s rights [1]. However, it has been observed that there is a general laxity in implementing these laws [2]. The progress in the legal reforms is usually slow, inconsistent, and lacks the necessary political boost. One of the key aspects hindering gender equality is the dominant patriarchal system of households, which generates discrimination. A recent study covering twenty African countries reveals gender discrimination in marriage, divorce, property rights, and custody [3]. The discrimination, continues the report, is institutionalized in the legal system and customary and patriarchal laws in ECCAS countries, including Cameroon [4, 5]. Admittedly, laws, institutions, and policies that aim at gender equality should ideally mitigate and eliminate constraints that disfavor women as members of society. At the center of this debate is the question of effective implementation of the law when it concerns gender inequality, but more precisely, how mindsets or poor application of the law perpetuates gender inequalities. Has the law been effective at mitigating or eliminating gender inequalities in terms of women’s quality education, women’s control over productive resources, reduction of gender-based violence, and giving women control over their bodies and reproductive decisions? In this light, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Fondation Denis et Lenora Foretia, is organizing a public debate on the theme “Reducing Gender Inequality in Central Africa Requires a Change of Mindsets.” The debate aims to explore these issues in greater depth, discuss the challenges, and propose solutions for effective implementation of laws to address gender disparities for progress in Central Africa.
Format of the debate
The structure of the 90-minute debate is as follows:
- The debate panel will consist of two (2) experts. One will argue for the proposal, and the other will argue against it. The moderator will give opening remarks and inform the audience about the matter on the ground. One debater will focus on the effect of poor implementation of laws on promoting gender inequalities, while the second will discuss other factors that substantially impact gender inequalities. This will take 5 minutes. He or she will proceed by inviting the debaters to the stage. Debaters will have 10 minutes for their opening remarks. The next 40 minutes will be devoted to moderated discussions, with each team having 3 minutes to respond. Twenty (20) minutes will be devoted to questions from the audience, and each debater will have 2 minutes for the closing speech.
- The entire debate will be video recorded and broadcast live on the social media platforms of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. During the debate, the panelists will have to defend their point of view with facts, statistics, and experience. No presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) will be allowed. Panelists are also expected to give interviews to the media after the debate and to share a meal with the team.
Expected results
Increased awareness and deeper understanding of participants on the importance of effective implementation of gender equality laws in ECCAS for achieving sustainable development and social justice in Central Africa, as well as concrete recommendations for improving the implementation of gender equality laws in ECCAS, which can be used to inform policy decisions and guide future interventions.
Target audience
The debate targets more than 50 participants from various fields of expertise and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Participants include politicians, decision-makers, think tank leaders, humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics and researchers, students, and civil society actors. Participation is free of charge. Thanks to financial support from its partner, the Open Society Foundation (OSF-Africa).
Logistic
The debate is an onsite activity and will be held in French with English interpretation. It will be live streamed on the Foretia Foundation social media platforms.
Contact
Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54.
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