News:
March 12, 2021
The ECOWAS Commission joined the international community in observing the international women’s day March 8, 2021, which was set aside by the international community to reflect on and commemorate the achievement made by women globally.
Commemoration took place virtually through a videoconference, which was attended by important dignitaries of the ECOWAS Commission during the commemoration in recognizing statutory female staff and the Amazons.
In her solidarity message on the occasion, Finda Koroma, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the importance of the celebration and said that millions of women are at the frontline of the ongoing strategy to rebuild and ensure justice in the world.
Commissioner for Gender and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission Fatima Jagne began by journeying through her academic education and work experience stating that the opportunities she was given from entry level to her present position taught her importance of responsibility, budgeting, decision making and human interaction.
And said she has always been fascinated with writing which is the secrete of her success and ultimately influences every aspect of her life and concluded by saying that words have made her who she is and today she tirelessly encourages people to use words appropriately.
Speaking at the event, Halima Ahmed, Commissioner for Finance of the ECOWAS Commission presented, a theoretical perspective to give context to her own personal journey as a woman leader within ECOWAS as pioneer Secretary General of ECOWAS Parliament.
And as a Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and presently Commissioner for Finance Halima Ahmed encouraged women to go for the top position, “you the Amazons in the House, can help in realizing this. What is wrong with have a woman as the next president of the ECOWAS Commission or speaker of ECOWAS Parliament?”
Again, why do we have gender parity on appointments of commissioners’ statutory appointees at the African Union Commission and not in ECOWAS?
Mrs. Jacqueline Brou, wife of the President of the Commission and godmother of ECOWAS Amazons noted that women have always been discriminated against.
However, their ascension to decision-making position in our societies is a catalyst for progress, stability, peace and development and welcome the appointment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the first woman Director-General of the World Trade Oranisation (WTO) after six male Directors at the head of the global institution.
And encouraged more work for the advancement of more women in national and international bodies.
In a statement by the Director of Commission of the ECOWAS Commission she, noted that Professor Jeremias Dias Furtado, Commissioner for Human Resources at the Commission made a presentation.
As he elaborated on the overview of female staff of ECOWAS in terms of statistics, and assured that they were working hard to address the gender balance situation in all ECOWAS institutions.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com