Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum (PF) secretary general Boemo Sekgoma has called for inclusive policies that empower girls and women across Africa.
Sekgoma has condemned practices like child marriage, betrothals and female genital mutilation, which continue to hinder the development of girls on the continent.
“These practices are abhorrent to democracy and must be eradicated if we are to see any real progress,” she says.
Sekgoma reiterates the SADC PF’s commitment to advocating the domestication of essential legal frameworks, including the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage, the Model Law on Gender-Based Violence and the Model Law on Public Financial Management.
“The protection of girls is not an option, it is a must,” she says.
Her message aligns with International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October.
She urges member parliaments and governments to ensure the voices of girls are heard in decision-making processes.
“It is imperative that girls in Africa are not only heard, but are active planners and visionaries of their own futures,” she adds.
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