East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 17th July, 2018: Supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the East African Community Secretariat has conducted stakeholders’ consultative meetings in Partner States from June 19 to July 10, 2018. The main objective of the meetings was to introduce the 50 Million African Women Speak Networking Platform Project (50MWS) to stakeholders.
EAC Secretariat delegation targeted key Ministries partners to the project, including the Ministries of Gender, ICT, Trade and Ministries in charge of EAC Affairs in each Member State. EAC delegation also met stakeholders from Civil Society, NGOs and UN Agencies.
“50MWS is an online platform that will provide financial and non-financial information to women entrepreneurs for them to interact and grow their businesses’,” Mary Makoffu, the EAC Director of Social Sectors and head of the EAC delegation explained.
“We have already existing platforms of women in business across EAC and we want to partner with them and build on the existing structures to better deliver on this project,” Ms. Makoffu said.
50MWS is being implemented in three different economic regions (RECs) including EAC, COMESA and ECOWAS. This is a good opportunity for women in business in respective RECs to penetrate markets of other RECs, EAC head of delegation considers.
After the consultation meetings the EAC Secretariat wants to continue and work with Member States to form country teams that will help in collection of information to upload into the platform. The Ministry of Gender in each country will be in charge of coordination.
Partners from all member states met, said to be excited and promised to give a full support to this innovative project.
A lot is being done by Member States to promote women’s economic empowerment despite some challenges; Gender Ministries’ representatives in each Partner States explained.
Governments have started disbursing funds to support women’s economic activities; initiatives which are currently contributing to increased employment, women’s capacity and resources power.
Youth enterprises are also being supported by Government’s funds to build youth’s capacity and reduce unemployment; Gender Ministries’ representatives continued.
All stakeholders met are confident that the contribution of the 50MWS Project on the top of already existing efforts; will contribute to reduce to zero gender inequalities that were observed across the countries.
Meeting attendants expressed some concerns that can prevent the project from achieving its goal; those include the weak smart phone penetration in most of EAC countries and the sustainability of the Project.
The EAC Secretariat finds these concerns relevant but assured them that EAC has developed a communications Strategy to make sure that even the women using the feature phones in the rural areas are reached by information circulated by the platform.
On the concern of sustainability, Wilson Muyenzi, the 50MWS Project Coordinator says that COMESA, the Project coordinating REC, is commissioning soon studies, to come up with mechanisms of sustainability.
Partner States sincerely thanked EAC Secretariat for this initiative and reiterated again countries’ commitment to support the project.
“Once our women will be economically empowered, the capacity of our countries will be doubled, and economic development will be a reality,’’ Mary Makoffu, EAC Director of Social Sectors constantly explained to Stakeholders met.
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For more information, please contact:
Achel Bayisenge Content Manager 50 Million African Women Speak, Networking Platform Project EAC Secretariat Mobile: +255786726230 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 10th May, 2018:
The East African Community and the International Labour Organization Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the work environment in East Africa.
The MoU which was signed at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania by EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko and Mr. Wellington Chibebe, the Director of the ILO Country Office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania will, among other things, address issues such as youth employment, extension of social security, and Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women at the work place.
The MoU is a follow up to another one that was signed between the two organisations in 2001. The 2002 MoU enabled the EAC and ILO to develop and launch a five-year East African Decent Work Programme (2010-2015).
Amb. Mfumukeko said that the revised MoU provides for the development of a framework for the harmonisation of the EAC Partner States’ policies on social security in line with the ILO Convention on Social Security (Minimum Standards) No. 102 of 1952.
“The MoU further provides for the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises for employment creation. Also included is the development of an EAC labour migration policy as one of the facilitators of labour mobility in the Community,” said the SG.
Amb. Mfumukeko said the Community was striving to address youth unemployment as a matter of priority, adding that having well educated but unemployed youth out of work was a time bomb.
He disclosed that EAC Partner States were addressing the issue by seeking to make agriculture as an attractive income generating venture for the youth.
Noting that matters of Entry/Work Permit/Residence Permit have an impact on the immigration function in the Partner States, the EAC Secretariat would convene a joint meeting of the Chiefs of Immigration and Directors of Labour before June 2018to finalize the harmonization of Entry/Work/Residence permits.
A meeting of technical officers from EAC and ILO held from 30th April to 2nd May, 2018 agreed to enhance collaboration in the implementation of a two-year project towards the extension of social security benefits to migrant workers in the EAC.
In his remarks, ILO Country Director Wellington Chibebe said that his organisation would work with the EAC to accelerate regional integration and at the same time ensure that the drivers of integration, that is the free movement of labour, goods and services enhance livelihoods of the millions of working women and men and their families.
“We welcome the signing of this new Memorandum of Understanding, which will be based firmly on a new DWP for East Africa, addressing strategically prioritized areas agreed upon by the ILO on one side and the EAC and the East African social partner organisations on the other side,” said Mr. Chibebe.
Mr. Chibebe said that giving financial assistance to the needy instead of equipping them with vocational skills was akin to creating culture of perpetual dependency.
Also represented at the two day forum were the East African Trade Unions Confederation (EATUC) and the East African Employers Organisation (EAEO).
Notes to Editors:
EAC and ILO signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18th January, 2001 in which both parties agreed to consult each other with respect to planning and execution of programmes. The programmes include: pursuit of policies and of employment aimed at creating an environment for the development of the private sector and employment; facilitate labour mobility; harmonisation of labour legislation; promotion of fair labour practices through social dialogue and observance of fundamental principles and rights at work; social security and productivity improvement.
In 2010, the EAC and ILO developed and launched a five year East African Decent Work Programme (EA-DWP 2010-2015) which focused on three areas:
(i) Youth employment by creating a conducive policy environment for the youth and the self-employed, skills improvement and supporting entrepreneurship activities;
(ii) The extension of social security through the development of an EAC model social protection and protection of social security rights of migrant workers, and;
(iii) The enhancement of capacity for social dialogue and building technical capacity for EAC Trade Union Confederation and affiliated national apex bodies on collective bargaining and negotiation skills.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
…..theme: “Press for Progress’; Planet 50-50 by 2030
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 6th March, 2018: The East African Community will join the rest of the world in marking the 2018 International Women's Day on 8th March , 2018. The event will take place at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The International Women’s Day is held annually on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The UN drew global attention to women's concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women's Year.
The International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made in women’s rights, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights. The theme for the International Women’s Day 2018 is Press for Progress; Planet 50-50 by 2030.
As provided for in Articles 121 and 122 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, Partner States have undertaken various efforts to enhance the Role of Women in Business and Socio-Economic Development.
The EAC Partner States recognise that women make a significant contribution towards the process of economic transformation and sustainable growth and that it is impossible to implement effective programmes for the economic and social development of the Partner States without the full participation of women.
To this end, the EAC has put the inclusion of women and girls at the centre of development programmes with Partner States ensuring affirmative action, constitutional and legal reforms, development of national gender policies; institutional mechanisms for implementation and accountability; economic empowerment measures, and sector-specific policies.
The EAC Secretariat is therefore committed to have a Community where women can participate as equal partners, decision makers, and beneficiaries in the development of their societies.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018, the EAC Secretariat has organized special events to celebrate the International Women’s Day as follows;
Events:
Together with the Arusha City Council, Women's Organizations, partners at the regional level, Staff of the EAC Secretariat and other guests, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko will lead all women and men in a ‘walk for gender equality’
Visit to Mount Meru Hospital to donate a package of materials in maternity ward and discuss with the administration the progress made so far since EAC visit to the hospital in 2014.
Celebrations at the EAC Headquarters:
This will feature talks and presentations:
A panel session on: Agriculture Sector: Jacqueline Mkindi from Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA); Finance- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB); Tourism- Lady Tour Guides; Mining- Women in Mining
By Women Leaders in the EAC – Topic: ‘Press for Progress’
On progress made to achieve Gender parity in the EAC by 2030
Presentations from the IIDEA projects that focus on women and with success stories
Moderated interactive session
Some other initiatives that show tremendous progress
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 8th December, 2017:
A delegation from the African Union of the Deaf (AUD) and the Africa Disability Alliance (ADA) on Thursday made a fact-finding tour of the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The purpose of the tour was to sensitize the EAC Secretariat on the mandate of AUD and ADA, in addition to learning familiarization about the EAC’s Social policy and disability legislative frameworks.
This corporate institutions awareness was further intended to enlighten AUD and ADA on the process of the Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) in order to seek support for its ratification.
The AUD Delegation was headed by its President, Hon. Alex Ndeezi, who is also a Ugandan MP, while ADA which is based in South Africa, was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew. K. Dube.
Hon. Ndeezi commended the EAC Secretariat and the East African Legislative Assembly for the efforts they have made towards mainstreaming and advocating for issues pertaining to People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Ndeezi said AUD was looking forward to supporting EAC’s initiatives PWDs at a technical or financial level in the near future and promised further engagements in various fora to push the PWDs mainstreaming agenda both at the regional, continental and international level. Hon. Ndeezi described the EAC as the leading regional bloc in Africa that has implemented a number of advocacy initiatives and policies touching on PWDs.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the EAC Secretary was the Principal Gender and Community Development Officer, Ms. Generose Minani, assured them that the EAC would work closely with them in advocating for the welfare of PWDs.
Ms. Minani disclosed that EAC Partners States have put in place policies to mainstream disability concerns at both the national and regional level.
“The EAC recognizes the need to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in line the provisions of Article 120(c) of the Treaty that calls upon Partner States to co-operate amongst themselves in the field of social welfare with respect to, among others, the development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training,” she said.
“Other milestones that have been realized within the PWDs docket include the EAC Policy on PWDs which was adopted in March 2012. The policy is a yardstick to inform other policies, programmes and sectoral plans among the EAC Partner States. The EAC policy on PWDs therefore aims at the provision of an enabling environment by Partner States for the empowerment of PWDs to facilitate their effective participation in and their eventual benefit from development initiatives,” added Ms. Minani.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The African Union of the Deaf (AUD) is a continental organization, which was established to serve as an umbrella organization of the Deaf on the African Continent. Deaf African activists who attended the African Disability Consultative Workshop in South Africa in 2003 founded AUD.
AUD works with regional and international organizations like the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the Africa Disability Forum (ADF) and ADA as cooperating partners to address deafness and disability rights issues continentally and internationally. Through this effective partnership with Continental Disability Peoples Organizations, AUD works with the AU in which it is seeking observer status as well as consultative status within AU appointed bodies and agencies concerned with disability issues.
AUD advocates for the interests of member organizations on the African continent. The first Constitution was approved in Tanzania on 10 May 2014. AUD has been legally registered in Uganda and currently hosted by Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) in Kiwanga-Mukono. Its mission is to strive for equality, empowerment and full participation in society of Deaf people in the continent of Africa.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The East Africa Youth Leadership Summit is set to be held from 27th November to 1st December, 2017 at the Training Center for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC) Campus in Usa River and at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Themed Unlocking Youth Leadership Potential: Youth at the Centre of the East African Integration, the Summit is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with MS TCDC.
The Summit, abbreviated as YouLead, has been organized in line with the provisions of the EAC Youth Policy (2016) Priority 14 which mandates the EAC Secretariat to build networks and partnerships and particularly to “institute an annual youth leaders’ forum with the EAC Secretary General as a regional platform for youth engagement with the EAC leadership.”
The objectives of the East African Youth Leadership Summit include; facilitating a step-by-step appreciation of the current opportunities within and beyond the region; challenging young people to think and act beyond conventional takes, and; creating an opportunity to deepen the partnership and cooperation among youth from participating sectors/countries.
Other objectives are to: encourage youth to develop sustainable projects by rolling regional and global issues, and; to nourish constructive exchange of ideas and good practices, hands-on skills development among the youth in the region.
The Summit will feature myriad stakeholders including youth leaders from business, government and civil society sector, policy-makers, thought-provoking academics, daring social entrepreneurs, media people, CEOs, civil society advocates, and other inspirational practitioners.
Participants will range between 15 and 35 years of age with at least 30 representatives from each EAC Partner State. To attain the ultimate goal, but at the same time maintain the youthful aspect, there will be a series of activities and break-out sessions including: workshops, group discussions, dialogues, symposiums, presentations, and formal and informal chats. All the activities will be tailored to ensure maximum interactions among participants.
Partner States’ Ministries responsible for Youth and EAC Affairs, National Youth Councils, Youth Networks, institutions of higher learning and all stakeholders and champions of Youth are expected to fully and actively mobilize participation in the Summit.
Notes to Editors
As of 2014 and 2016, MS Training Center for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) hosted two remarkable programmes: Youth Governance Festival (YGF14) and the Regional Youth Seminar (RYS16) respectively. The YGF14 aimed at propelling the urgency to involve youth in critical decision-making processes and stimulate their consciousness to proactively integrate their contributions into ongoing governance and development processes at the EAC level.
On the other hand, RYS16 aimed at bringing together youth and youth representatives who took part in the YGF to showcase their works, evaluate progress on the steps taken since the festival, and share their perspectives on addressing the Leadership challenges facing the region. Both programmes managed to attract more than 400 youth from the East African region and beyond.
The programmes are premised on the cognizance that East Africa is one of the sub-regions in Africa in which an estimated 60% percent of the population are youth, described in the EAC Youth Policy as those aged between 15 and 35 years old. The programmes further recognise that as the EAC integration widens and deepens, there is a growing need to bring the youth, present and future leaders, on board to engage with them on issues pertinent to regional integration.
In recognizing that youth are a crucial asset and an important key resource in social economic and political development of the community, MS TCDC in partnership with the EAC Secretariat are undertaking various initiatives to promote continuous dialogue among the youth and incite their interest in advocating for regional integration.
With the previous experience and consultations made from our stakeholders, and in an effort to implement the EAC Youth Policy (2016) priority 14 which calls on the EAC Secretariat to build networks and partnerships, the organizing team has decided to merge the two programmes and come up with one programme – The East Africa Youth Leadership Summit shortly known as “YouLead”. This program, in line to the previous ones, aims at continuing with the efforts of inspiring and challenging young people to play their role in changing their societies for better.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 23 June 2017:
The Incubator for Integration and Development in East Africa (IIDEA) developed as a joint initiative between the EAC Secretariat, Regional Dialogue Committee (RDC), and GIZ was launched on Thursday, 22nd June, 2017, by Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs and the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivenjija, at the commencement of the 5th Annual Secretary General's Forum for Private Sector, Civil Society and other Interest Groups, in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Speaking during the launch event, Hon. Kivenjija said through the IIDEA project, the EAC is not only very proud to support private sector, civil society and other interest groups in East Africa, who are the region’s most committed partners in integration, but also to be able to provide tangible opportunities for citizens to enable them support, own and champion the integration agenda.
"We believe doing this will not only bridge the gap between East African Citizens and the EAC, but also strengthen the integration process.”
He informed the participants that since the commencement of IIDEA’s activities in April 2016, a total of sixteen projects have been approved by the IIDEA Committee for support. “Two projects have been successfully completed, fourteen are currently under implementation and all are producing promising results”, asserted the Chairperson of the EAC Council.
“In addition, IIDEA pioneering projects focus on issues ranging from technological innovation, gender empowerment, cross border trade, SMEs promotion and development, market access and information, youth skills enhancement and employment, saving for healthcare, art incubation, cultural integration among others”, stated Hon.Kivenjija.
The Chairperson of the Council commended Regional Dialogue Committee (RDC), IIDEA Committee and GIZ for their contributions towards making the EAC integration more than just empty words. "We applaud you and ask that you continue with the good work.”
Addressing the participants of the forum earlier during the official opening of the 5th SG’s Forum, Burundi’s Minister to the Office of the President responsible for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo said the 5th Annual Forum was first and foremost organized in the spirit of widening and deepening the EAC integration process.
“As a matter of fact, the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and especially Article 7 paragraph 1 (a) stipulates that the principles that shall govern the practical achievements of the objectives of the Community shall include people-centred and market driven cooperation”, added the Minister.
“I have no doubt that the themes and sub-themes developed in this 5th Annual Secretary General’s Forum are going to emphasize the involvement of the citizenry and its implementation in the context of multi-stakeholder partnerships.”
She reiterated the commitment of the Government of Burundi to the involvement of Private Sector Organizations (PSO), Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and other Interest Groups in the integration process by establishing a National Dialogue Committee in accordance with the directive of the Council of Ministers.
On his part, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Libérat Mfumukeko informed the participants that Article 127 (4) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC specifically provides for an Annual Forum convened by the Secretary General of the East African Community that brings together the Parties to the Dialogue to discuss issues of mutual interest and engagement through sector specific fora.
He disclosed that the Civil Society Organizations has been fulfilling the principal of a people-centered Community by playing a major role in the implementation of the 4th EAC Development Strategy (2012/2016) and also advocacy for the extended Jurisdiction of East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
“Through their engagement in the integration process we have witnessed the negotiation and conclusion of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) by professionals in the following areas; Accountants, Engineers, Architects; Veterinary Surgeons; the Land Surveyors and Advocates in East Africa, harmonization of education curricular with draft structures and frameworks leading to the harmonization of the EAC curricula developed and harmonized Draft Rules and Regulations guiding the conduct of Examinations in EAC Education institutions have been developed,” added the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko also highlighted the role of Private Sector in fulfilling the market driven principle of the Treaty by implementing the commitments enshrined within the EAC Customs Union and Common Market Protocols by improving the business and economic environment through evidence-based policy advocacy in the areas of harmonization of trade facilitation and regulatory framework, harmonization of product standards, advocating for free movement of the factors of production, as well as addressing trade barriers faced by women-owned businesses and Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Vice President of the East African Law Society, Ms. Anne Abeja said the biggest concern for any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet. ‘’Let us, as participants and stakeholders of the SG’s Forum, not become quiet on matters of regional Integration‘’. We are here representing the people of East Africa, I believe we are passionate, that is why we are here to begin with, we therefore owe it to us all, to not just be heard but to be seen and felt as well in matters of Regional Integration and in implementing agreed recommendations”, affirmed Ms. Abeja.
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Notes to Editor:
EAC has been implementing the Consultative Dialogue Framework since December 2012 after its adoption by the 26th Meeting of the Council of Ministers. The Consultative Dialogue Framework provides for a structured dialogue between the East African Community, Private Sector Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and other Interest Groups and is guided by the principles enshrined in the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC (Articles 127, 128 and 129). The EAC Secretariat is organizing the SG’s Forum with support from GIZ.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 19 June 2017:
Preparations for the 5th Annual Secretary General's Forum for Private Sector, Civil Society and Other Interest Groups, to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi on 22nd to 23rd June 2017, are in high gear with participants drawn from Governments of EAC Partner States, Private Sector Organization’s (PSOs), Civil Society Organisation (CSO’s), Professional bodies, Academia/Universities, Media and EAC Organs and Institutions, Development partners and other interest groups.
The forum aims to provide an opportunity for the private sector, civil society and other interest groups to share experiences and good practices of the integration process experienced in the last 15 years and work out a coordinated strategy towards a common future of a political integration and a borderless community.
Each year, the Secretary General’s Forum deals with a wide range of topics that are at the heart of the integration process in East Africa. This year, the central topic will concern the progress, challenges and future of the implementation of the Common Market Protocol, particularly the free movement of labour and services. Through consultation and dialogue, non-state actors and EAC officials will agree upon concrete policy measures to be implemented by the EAC Secretariat and Partner States.
The two-day 5th Annual Secretary General's Forum themed “15 Years of The EAC: Towards a Borderless Community” will discuss different topic including;
The implementation of the free movement of labour and services between the six Partner States of the EAC.
Sustainable development in relation to improving food security and agricultural value chains, localising the climate change agenda and increasing gender equality.
The promotion of local production through public procurement, especially in relation to infrastructural projects within the EAC.
The impacts of ICT in enhancing the free movement of goods and services and impact of media as enablers of stronger citizen participation in the process.
This year’s forum will see the launching of Incubator for Integration and Development in East Africa (IIDEA) as one of the key event. IIDEA was developed as a joint initiative between the EAC Secretariat, Regional Dialogue Committee (RDC) and GIZ in order to demonstrate the tangible benefits of integration to citizens. Through IIDEA, regional integration projects are proposed and implemented by civil society, private sector and interest groups.
The inclusion of private sector, civil society and interest group stakeholders through the consultative framework of the Secretary General’s Forum is key to realising the goals envisaged in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Through the Annual Secretary General’s Forum, East Africa takes another step towards the vision of one people, one destiny.
The forum is being organized by the EAC Secretariat with support from GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH)
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 March 2017: The East African Community (EAC) women led by Hon. Jesca Eriyo, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration (DSG F&A), yesterday participated in a colorful march to the local market in Arusha; ‘Soko Kuu’ in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD). Other key EAC women representatives among the front-liners of the march included the Director of Social Sectors; Mary Makoffu and the Principal Human Resource Officer; Ruth Simba
The march also brought together a broad spectrum of women stakeholders from various organizations such as women and men in support of women from EAC, Germany International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Arusha Municipal Council, Women’s Organizations, Vision for Youth representatives as well as secondary school students from the International School of Moshi and Arusha Day Secondary School.
The market march orchestrated by the Tanzanian Army Brass Band based in Monduli, Arusha, was organized by EAC and the Arusha Municipal Council in collaboration with GIZ and ILO, in a bid to offer material support aimed at improving the working conditions of the market cleaners who are mostly women.
On arrival at the market, participants engaged in a cleaning exercise of the market’s environs before officially handing over the purchased cleaning equipment to the market’s management. Witnessing this were Council representatives including Acting City Director; Mariam Kimolo and the Ward Councilor; Abdulrasul Tojo.
Speaking briefly at the market, Hon. Jesca Eriyo urged women to work towards taking up leadership positions at the work place, noting that there are very few women worldwide in top positions within the labor force. She also called for men’s support of women not only at the workplace but the society at large and highly commended those present at the event for taking time to participate in the IWD celebrations.
On behalf of the market businesswomen was Mariam Okashi who particularly thanked EAC and GIZ for their generous support in not only providing cleaning equipment but for having a bigger picture in mind: a clean and safe working environment for the market vendors as well, both men and women.
Participants marched back to the EAC headquarters where they gathered for the official IWD celebrations. Gracing this momentous occasion as Guest of Honor was the East African Court of Justice Judge President; His Lordship Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.
In her official opening remarks at the event, Hon. Jesca Eriyo highlighted that IWD can be an important catalyst and vehicle for driving greater change for women and moving closer to gender parity bearing in mind, article 5(e) in the EAC Treaty which stipulates gender mainstreaming in all its endeavors and enhancement of the role of women in cultural, social, political, economic and technological development, whereas articles 121 and 122 emphasize the role of women in socio economic development and in Business. She also encouraged men to support women at the workplace by creating a conducive environment for them to thrive and fully unleash their potential.
This year’s IWD campaign theme is Be Bold for Change with a focus on ‘Women in the Changing World of Work, Planet 50-50 in 2030. The theme aims at encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women in all aspects of life.
The theme was developed in cognizance that the global understanding of work is changing with significant implications on the day to day lives of women. While in most parts of the world, women have made tremendous progress in building competencies to access decent work, there exists huge inequalities, informality of labor, violence and environmental impacts in other societies.
Also addressing participants at the official opening was the GIZ Deputy Programme Manager; Kirsten Focken, who began by stating that ‘the presence of both men and women at the event was a symbol of unity, support and solidarity to the gender parity and equality campaign which is reinforced by the commemoration of IWD at EAC”.
She particularly emphasized GIZ’s support towards women in small scale cross-border trade adding that this is what triggered the development of the Simplified Guide for Micro and Small Scale Women Cross Border Traders and Service Providers within EAC.
Delivering the keynote address was the ILO Director-East Africa Office; Mary Kawar. She commended EAC for its efforts this year in engaging women at different capacities at the event to consolidate their efforts towards this year’s IWD theme. She also challenged EAC to set labor standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for women for them to thrive in the work place within the region, reiterating; “…for women to have equal opportunities, they have to be protected by laws”.
Presiding over the official IWD celebrations was East African Business Council Executive Director; Lilian Awinja, East African Sub-regional Support Initiative (EASSI) Director; Marren Akatsa-Bukachi, who gave a motivational talk at the event and the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) Coordinator; Nancy Gitonga.
EAWiBP brings together business and professional women from across the EAC region. The Platform is taking proactive steps to increase women’s participation in intra – EAC trade, EAC integration process and economic empowerment. EAWiBP works towards achieving its goals through policy advocacy and by linking business women to skills, information, markets, capital and technical assistance.
The programme also included presentations on opportunities for Women in the EAC-Case Studies of the Incubator for Integration and Development in East Africa women projects.At the closing, the Director of Social Sectors; Mary Makoffu was pleased to give a vote of thanks to all the participants at the event on behalf of EAC and later, together with the Hon. Jesca Eriyo and the ILO and GIZ representatives, officiated the launch of the Simplified Guide for Micro and Small Scale Women Cross Border Traders and Service Providers within the EAC for dissemination.
International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly; Kigali, Rwanda; 08 March 2017: Today is the International Women’s Day. As the globe came together to commemorate the day under the theme; “Be Bold for Change”, EALA legislators sitting in Kigali, Rwanda prized the region with passage of the EAC Gender Equality, Equity and Development Bill, 2016 as the House resumed.
The EAC Gender Equality, Equity and Development Bill, 2016, whose mover is Hon. Nancy Abisai makes provision for gender equality, equity, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognises the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.
The Bill contends that whereas the Partner States recognize the importance of gender equality and have developed programmes and enacted legislation in this pursuit, these efforts are at different levels and contain differences particular to each Partner State. As a result, gender initiatives affect women, men and children differently across the East African Community.
The passage of the Bill whose debate started yesterday, followed the successful 2nd Reading and 3rd Reading. The Bill was preceded by a presentation of the Report of the Committee on General Purpose on the public hearings held in the Partner States. Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo presented the report in the House.
During the Public Hearings, stakeholders in Republic of Kenya welcomed the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, stating it would give effect to the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In the spirit of the EAC, the Bill should propose programmes and policies that would curb cross border practices of FGM in a bid to eradicate the practice and adopt a mutual assistance strategy.
In Uganda, stakeholders called for broadening of the terms with regards to affirmative action including that around deliberate actions and initiatives in favour of marginalized groups, the child as well as issues around discrimination against women.
Republic of Uganda according to the report, states that Governments should have legislations that make it mandatory for all schools to have facilities that are accessible to disabled persons and sanitary facilities that are separate for girls and boys.
In Republic of Burundi, as far as Health sector is concerned, the Bill is considered helpful since it serves to strengthen the policies already put in place by the Government of the Republic of Burundi even though a law governing gender equality is not yet enacted.
In the United Republic of Tanzania, stakeholders recommended the proposed Bill awaits the EAC policy document on Gender Equality and Development in order to align/adhere to the decision of the responsible Sectoral Council.
In Rwanda, stakeholders maintained the importance of addressing Gender based violence, the right to life, dignity, integrity and security of persons at all levels. Towards this end, the Bill expressly prohibits all forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading traditional practices. The stakeholders in attendance were also of the view that FGM practices should be prohibited to protect women rights to physical integrity.
Members who rose up in support of the Bill during debate were Hon Maryam Ussi, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Shyrose Bhanji, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, Hon Oda Gasinzigwa and Hon Martin Ngoga. Others were Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Pierre Celestin Rwigema, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Peter Mathuki and Hon Dr James Ndahiro.
In their contributions, Hon AbuBakr Ogle and Hon Abubakar Zein remarked it was necessary for the Bill to be in consonance with respective Partner States’ Constitutions and in line with the Islamic law.
The enacted Bill shall now await assent by the EAC Heads of State.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
