‘The Role of Women in Nation Building’

There is no chance for significant welfare improvement in Africa unless women have equal access. Studies conducted in the past were often hampered by the lack of reliable of data. Today things are changing rapidly and women are at the forefront of these changes worldwide. From February 22nd through March 4th, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) holds its 55th Session at the UN Headquarters in New York, Co-Head by Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. Women’s organizations worldwide are attending the conference. The agenda this year is “Access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work.” ‘The African View’ had the opportunity to interview Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and met with several NGO representatives from the Congo, South Africa, Angola, Spain etc. Please join our discussion this coming Wednesday from 12pm – 1pm EST, March 2nd, 2010 to share your thoughts as well as learn more about how these courageous, extra ordinary women are stepping up to improve the gender gap and help create sustainable development in their communities in Africa and around the world.