News
Fifteen gender representatives from twelve ALN member parties have met in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to develop a common gender policy paper for the network. This workshop was hosted by the Rassemblement des Républicains, with financial support from the Liberal Democrats Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme. Delegates met at the Hotel Ivotel, Abidjan, between Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July 2009.
On Saturday 4 July, the ALN held a press conference, which wasbroadcast on Ivorian radio and television. On the panel were Mme KabaYaya Fofana, Vice-President for West Africa, and Executive Committeemember responsible for Gender Issues; ALN President, Dr Lamine Bâ; ALNCoordinator, Nick Branson; and two representatives from theRassemblement des Républicains. The first was Dr Cissé Bacongo,Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, and NationalSecretary for Institutional and Legal Matters at the RDR. The secondwas Sidi Touré, Chief of Staff to President Dr Alassane DramaneOuttara, and President of the Organisation of African Liberal Youth.
TheALN President and Coordinator were also fortunate enough to be receivedby RDR President Dr Alassane Dramane Outtara at his home in Abidjanwhere they discussed the progress of his Presidential campaign. Additionally, delegates wereinvited to visit the RDR’s campaign and communications headquarters inAbidjan, where Dr Lamine Bâ was interviewed for radio.
Thegender document itself was generated with the assistance of aconsultant from the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire, MrSiagbé Trah, who facilitated the workshop sessions, with translationprovided by Ms Aïsitou Diallo. The full document incorporatedsuggestions from all ALN member parties and is available below.
The delegates also nominated aGender Focal Point for each region of Africa to lead with theimplementation of the gender policy, they are as follows:
Northern Africa: Raoudha Seybi, Parti Social Libéral, Tunisia
Western Africa: Kaba Yaya Fofana, Rassemblement des Républicains, Côte d’Ivoire
Southern Africa & Islands: Lindiwe Desiré Mazibuko, Democratic Alliance, South Africa
Central and Eastern Africa: Ashura Mustapha, Civic United Front, Tanzania