African feminists have called for stronger political and economic action to advance women’s rights, with calls for better financing, leadership and social protection.
The call was made during the African Feminism Forum in Windhoek last week, where former first lady Monica Geingos joined feminist scholar professor Amina Mama, author and chief executive of The Conversation Strategists Nozipho Tshabalala, and Greenpeace Mena adviser Khaoula Ksiksi for a discussion on the future of pan-African feminism.
“We need an unromantic finance strategy,” Geingos said.
She called for an “unromantic finance strategy” to address issues including care work, debt, taxation, financial inclusion, social protection, healthcare and pension reform.
Geingos, drawing on her experience at State House, challenged the distinction between proximity to power and having power.
She also advocated for greater use of domestic capital and innovative financing mechanisms, highlighting blended vehicles like the kind the One Economy Foundation has built and proved possible.
The One Economy Foundation supports young people through programmes focused on sexual and reproductive health, mental health and youth empowerment.
The discussion also focused on women’s political leadership, economic structures and preparing the next generation to continue the unfinished work of pan-African feminism.
The speakers reflected on the Maputo Protocol as a legally binding framework for African women to claim and advance their rights.
Ksiksi at the event said feminist movements must also retain their humanity while pursuing social and political change.
“What is the point of the revolution if we can’t dance?” she asked.
The panel called for a pan-African feminist agenda that looks within Africa while recognising the continent’s contribution to wider global conversations.
