ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday called on the African union (AU) to institute gender reforms as part of wider efforts to make the AU more inclusive effective.
Ahmed was speaking at the opening session of the 11th AU extraordinary summit of heads of state from November 17 to 18, currently being held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
"An essential element of any reform initiative is equal representation of women in all senior positions. We in Ethiopia for the first time in history, have achieved gender parity within our cabinet and transferred key decision making positions to women," said Ahmed.
He emphasized the AU's need to replicate such kind of gender reforms that are already being implemented by AU member states.
"We have a female at the helm of the Presidency, we have a female President of the Supreme Court, these gender reforms are rooted in the belief that making space for more women leaders isn't a move for diversity, but is about doing the right thing," he added.
The 11th AU extraordinary summit of heads of state is expected to decide on reform processes, including reforming the AU Commission, mandate of the AU Development Agency (AUDA) and financing the AU.
The AU leaders are also expected to discuss the progress towards fulfilling the goal of Agenda 2063, which aims to accelerate African integration, put an end to poverty afflicting African populations, end all conflicts in the continent and raise the voice of Africa in international relations.
