Your Excellency, Ibrahim Traore, Head of State of Burkina Faso, Honourable Betty Mould-Iddrisu-  the Founder  and pioneer President of AWLA,   Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice,

Honourable Chief Justice of Burkina Faso,

Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs- Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, My Lords, His Royal Majesties, the Secretary General of AWLA- Sakinah Adepeju Oduye -Quadri, the Director of programs and Country Representative AWLA USA HRH Olori Olufunmi Oluyede, Our amiable Host, the Country Representative of AWLA, Burkina Faso – Fatimata Quilma Sinare, the members of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, AWLA Country Representatives, Awla Patrons,

Awla Diamond Life Members and Life Members, Male Champions and Members,

President of the Burkina Faso Bar,

Distinguished Guests,

Fellow Advocates for women’s empowerment

Sponsors,

Women of Africa, gentle men and women of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen

 

I’m thrilled to welcome you all  to the African Women Lawyers Association’s 2024 International Conference. Today, we unite to celebrate women’s achievements and tackle the barriers they face. Our mission is to empower women to dream, thrive, and live free from discrimination, violence, and inequality.

 

As we strive for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals

1- No Poverty, 2- Zero Hunger, 3- Good Health and Wellbeing , 4- Quality Education, 5 – Gender Equality, 6- Clean Water and Sanitation, 7- affordable and Clean energy, 8- Decent Work and Economic  Growth, 10- Reduced Inequalities 16- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. it’s crucial that women’s and girls’ voices are at the forefront of our global strategy. To achieve this, we must confront deeply ingrained societal norms, remove obstacles to education, economic and political empowerment, and eradicate gender-based violence.

 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to AWLA Burkina Faso for hosting this historic conference, the first in a French-speaking country. Your dedication to women’s economic empowerment is truly commendable. We call on the Burkinabe Government, Industries, and Donor Organisations to support AWLA Burkina Faso in this AWLA project to emancipate women from the shackles of discrimination and violence.

 

This conference brings together leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore innovative solutions and share best practices for promoting gender equality and sustainable development. AWLA is committed to achieving parity and combating gender-based violence. We believe gender equality is key to unlocking our continent’s potential.

 

To address gender-based violence, we must strengthen legal frameworks like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, and enforce national laws. Education is vital, and we must prioritize universal access, including digital literacy. Economic empowerment is critical, and financial inclusion, equal pay, and job opportunities in male-dominated fields like STEM can lift families out of poverty.

 

As we approach 2030, urgent action is needed. We must work together to implement inclusive policies, support grassroots movements, and ensure representation for women in leadership.

 

In conclusion, the future depends on empowering girls and women. Let’s break the chains of discrimination and violence, invest in education, protect them from harm, and create economic and political opportunities.

 

We appreciate the support of our partners, collaborators, and sponsors, including the Government of Burkina Faso,  United Nations and humanitarian system in Burkina Faso, led by Carole Flore-Smereczniak, the Netherlands Ambassador, UNDP,  Jovial Productions, Led Editions SIDWAYA, Queen Mafa , NORAD Palace, Canal Olympia idrissa Quedraogo, L SON Communication, WBI Bank, CNJ BF, MUDHRI, SOS Jeunesse and  Defis, RTB, IDEALLE au Minerale naturalle, Nations UNIES, AJC PD/PF, IES Femmes, ONU Femmes, VOIX Essentielles, CANAL BURKINA 3, ZONDI Burkina Faso, FASO Green, Les Elles du Cinema, et al and call on you all for greater support without which we cannot achieve much.

 

AWLA is committed to ending indignity to women and children.

We are poised for parity, Visit our website for more information: https://awla.international

 

Thank you.

 

Amanda Demechi-Asagba,

President, African Women Lawyers Association(AWLA)

+234 8035353306

awlainternational@gmail.com