First gentleman Denga Ndaitwah has called for an inclusive approach to gender equality, saying the empowerment of women and girls and the well-being of boys are not competing priorities.
Speaking at the fundraising gala dinner of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development in Angola on Friday, he said men and women are mutually inclusive partners and empowering both is important to achieve sustainable development.
“It is important that we work hard to ensure boys and young men too can be inspired to stay in school, stay away from crime and substance abuse and pursue their academic goals,” he said.
According to him, global data shows a crisis affecting boys in education, mental health and social development. He said his office will champion to close the growing disparity’ to achieve gender equality and promote full participation of men and women in all areas of society.
Citing the Unesco report, Ndaitwah said 132 million primary and secondary age boys are out of school worldwide and are more likely than girls to repeat primary grades and that few enrolled in secondary education.
“A generation of boys raised to respect, support and stand as equals with women and girls would strengthen Africa’s development agenda,” he said.
Ndaitwah also proposed that the organisation be renamed the Organisation of African First Spouses and Development for broader inclusion as he recently joined but is a male.
