Alliance calls for action and results Post 2015

Statement by the Chair of the SADC Gender Protocol Alliance, Emma Kaliya, at the Task Team meeting to review the SADC Gender Protocol.

Thank you for this opportunity to share a few words at this historic meeting to review the SADC Gender Protocol in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Beijing Platform for Action.

The Protocol is a best practise one stop shop for implementing gender equality. It stands poised once again to become a global first as a sub-regional instrument that encompasses and enhances global and continental commitments.

In July 2014, SADC Gender Ministers meeting in Malawi acknowledged that the 28 targets of the SADC Protocol would have to be reviewed in 2015.

In May 2015, Gender Ministers meeting in Harare adopted a roadmap for doing so. Breaking new ground, the ministers stated that the Protocol should be accompanied by a Monitoring Evaluation and Results Framework.

Reflecting the dynamic relationship between civil society and governments, SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stregomena Tax requested technical assistance from the Alliance and UNWOMEN in the forward processes^[1].

With 32 targets specific to gender or in which gender is mainstreamed, the SDGs go beyond the MDGs that had just 12 gender-related targets.

Twelve of the SDG gender targets concern the environment, an area in which the SADC Gender Protocol needs strengthening. On the other hand, the SADC Gender Protocol has stronger provisions on the media, peace and security than the SDGs. This shows how the SADC Gender Protocol stands to benefit from, but also contribute to the global agenda.

The MDGs had just eight gender indicators, in a few sectors. The SDGs have 34 gender indicators across a range of sectors. These indicators have been selected by a team of experts from statistical offices around the globe because they are measurable. This means that these indicators can definitely be used to strengthen monitoring and evaluation.

The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development is unique among the SADC Protocols in that it has targets. Now it will have indicators as well. This is another example of how gender is blazing the trail in our regional integration efforts.

An important question for our meeting is the extent to which gender should be mainstreamed in existing SADC Protocols, as opposed to being a stand-alone Protocol.

SADC has 27 Protocols (including the Gender Protocol). The 2015 Barometer shows that 11 out of the 26 mainstream Protocols make some reference to gender. Significantly, the most comprehensive references to gender are in the latest two Protocols: the  Protocol on Employment and Labour and Protocol on Environmental Management for Sustainable Development^[2].

This is a positive sign that gender mainstreaming is beginning to take root in SADC processes. However, the other SADC Protocols do not have specific targets, timeframes or an MER framework. Hence the Alliance position that  while gender should be mainstreamed in all SADC instruments, these should be cross referenced with the SADC Gender Protocol. This is the best way of ensuring a very strong gender agenda.

In addition to  28 targets for the attainment of gender equality by 2015 the Protocol has another  75 provisions for gender equality that have not been specifically formulated as targets.

For example, the SADC Gender Protocol provides for equal representation of women and men in media practise by 2015. It has a provision for women and men to be given equal voice through the media, but this has no timeframe.   We believe that some of these provisions should be upgraded to targets.

A final key consideration concerns variable performance between countries. SADC countries vary greatly in size and performance. While some have come close to reaching certain targets, others still lag behind.

Clearly, some SADC countries should set themselves earlier deadlines than others for achieving certain gender targets.

Overall, the review should not just be a case of substituting 2015 with 2030. It should be based on a realistic assessment of performance, overall and by country, to set achievable targets that will lead to  action and results. The bottom line, to quote the Executive Director of UNWOMEN Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, is that we cannot reach 2030 and still not have achieved gender equality! This must be the last time we extend the deadline!

As the Alliance we have walked side by side with our member states in this dynamic and exciting journey. At 18.00 today we invite you to the launch of our 2015 Barometer at a cocktail event held here at the Birchwood where we will go more in-depth into some of the evidence that underpins these thoughts.

We are pleased that we could partner with the SADC Gender Unit and UNWOMEN to bring a significant voice and participation of civil society to this momentous event.

Formed in 2005 at the time of Beijing Plus Ten to campaign for a binding regional instrument to advance gender equality in our region, the Alliance has been a partner through every draft of the Protocol. If we are where we are today, it is surely because of the strong partnership between Member States, the SADC Gender Unit and civil society. Let us continue to walk the talk together!

Over time our slogan has evolved, from now is the time, to yes we can, to yes we must. In 2015, our message is simple: Action and Results!

Please repeat this slogan with me as we start our meeting!

Action and results! Yes we must! The time is now!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LUCIA MAKAMURE ON  071  035 8896