Reflecting and rejuvenation for action and results!

Welcome to the November edition of the Roadmap to Equality newsletter. This edition comes out at an opportune time when the world and indeed the SADC region is gearing up for the 16 Days of Activism campaigns. Gender based violence continues to hinder regional progress on gender equality. The newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise gender based violence as a key target whose elimination should be prioritised by 2030. Gender based violence must end and not just be reduced. We must not forget the voices from indigenous movements, rural areas and other marginalised communities as we campaign for zero tolerance on gender based violence.

This year’s campaign, which focusses on education, demands a closer look at our schools and education institutions to ensure safe learning environments for the students. Gender violence in schools has led to many dropouts, especially by girls. The protests by South African students on fees at tertiary institutions under the tag #feesmustfall puts in sharp focus the need to improve access to education for all. Namibia has dropped examination fees and Tanzania is also following the same route. The gender equality gap in education must also fall!

SADC member states and representatives of civil society met in Johannesburg from 26-28 October to review the protocol. At their annual meeting in Malawi last year, and in Harare in May this year, gender ministers agreed to review the targets of the SADC Gender Protocol in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa Agenda 2063 and the Beijing Plus Twenty Review that is also taking place this year. The ministers also agreed that the Protocol should be accompanied by a Monitoring, Evaluation and Results (MER) Framework .An analysis of the draft document produced at the end of the 3 day meeting revealed that the Alliance lobbying efforts had garnered at least 32 gains compared to 13 losses. Some of the notable gains include the enhancement the use of the MER framework at national level, inclusion of climate change and new areas like social media.

The current drought spell in the SADC region is a stark reminder that climate change is upon us, with its many gendered impacts. As the world prepares to go to Paris for the COP 21 negotiations, the gender movement should demand a gender responsive climate change settlement. With a large number of citizens living without running water for weeks and no electricity, it is time that SADC looks at renewable sources of energy to sustain the environment and ensure access to clean energy sources for multitudes of women in the region.

As the year draws to a close, the preparations for the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women unfold. The SADC Gender Protocol Alliance will be mobilising on all fronts for the SADC governments to bring into effect the adopted Sustainable Development Goals through the finalisation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and its implementation. The Alliance will further call on aid effectiveness to focus on gender responsive redevelopment as many gender movements struggle to implement projects due to lack of funding. The governments are also struggling to implement gender equality action plans as there are limited budgets from national coffers to implement gender specific programmes and gender mainstream.

The year ahead is a period for movement building to end minimalist approaches towards gender equality. Increased focus on sexual reproductive health and rights should improve the region’s health and justice system and cultivate a rights based approach to development. Reflection of gender equality programming should energise the gender movements towards a cross sectoral approach to closing the gender gap. A data revolution on SRHR will enable informed policy making on the subject.

We look forward to your feedback and contributions to this newsletter and the future editions.