During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that governments, policymakers, academics, business leaders and civil society come together to find innovative ways of supporting communities and providing hope to younger generations. The pandemic has further highlighted and exacerbated the existing inequalities in our societies, with respect to access to resources, information and power dynamics. Children and young people are among the hardest hit; girls and young women in particular have been disproportionately impacted.
Economic Empowerment of Women Good for All | The Youth Cafe
BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR
Government staffer Souhayata Haidara enjoys talking about her life in a patriarchal society. Her career is a triumph of patience and perseverance, she tells Africa Renewal with a smile and a wink. Ms. Haidara, currently the Special Adviser to Mali’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, says she was lucky not to be married off at age 14 like some of her peers. Her father resisted pressure from suitors and relatives and insisted that the teenager be allowed to complete high school before getting married.