Q&A: Women’s economic empowerment in Africa

Ahead of the World Economic Forum on Africa 2015 (3-5 June), which will bring together regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to take stock of progress over the last 25 years, we hosted the Twitter chat #AskPhumzile with UN Women and their Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo on the topic: women’s economic empowerment in Africa.

Here is a selection of questions from Twitter, and Phumzile’s responses.

Hi! I’m looking forward to chatting with you for next 30min on women’s economic empowerment in Africa. #AskPhumzile pic.twitter.com/ls2ztzwdCQ

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@Nthabi_Moh We need govts to adopt policies, programmes, fund programmes & work in partnership with private sector. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@selitamiru We work w/ govts to revise legislation that hinders women’s eco.empowerm.,engage private sector to invest in women #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@mweshi_juto Special measures, such as quota, are critical; and provide opportunities for women to lead. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@JoyLange @Aslam_Levy Opportunity for dialogue beyond the usual partners, and to showcase best practices. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@MoyoWaNgubs Public education is critical, and civil society can play an important role. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

. @SRHR_2015 It is necessary. Women must not have unwanted pregancies and unmet family planning needs. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@mweshi_juto Both men and women need to fight such practices, and leaders must make this a priority. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@brygaybsp A degree of affirmative action for young people is necessary, mentorship, business skills, and market access. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@mweshi_juto We need outreach to men&boys from all walks of life in support of gender equality;they must take action in name of #HeForShe.

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@aliceallan3 We need the right social policies to recognize, redistribute and remunerate. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@EmonneMarkland Girls must be part of decision-making bodies at their schools, society and community organizations. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@brygaybsp Entrench equality of opportunity. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@JP_Kratos We are engaging in structured partnerships with private sector and urging them to sign & implement @WEPrinciples. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@positivegp Stronger leadership, stronger ownership of African leaders of the challenges, greater advocacy by women & men. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@LexyBoahene Critical events such as @UN_CSW and local & national events that speak directly to leaders are crucial. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@EkuaArmah Economically empowered women always make right choices for themselves,their health,their families,their children. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

.@EmGENDER We must support each other’s orgs,create opportunity to work together and to learn from each other,off- and online. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

That’s it! Thanks to all of you for your great questions and thanks to @wef for hosting. #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015

For our latest research on women’s economic empowerment, see our #WomensProgress2015 report: http://t.co/qKak5GxBzd #AskPhumzile

— Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) May 26, 2015