The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (ECGD), today, launched the second edition of the meeting of the regional coordination committees of its flagship programmes implemented in the 15 ECOWAS member states.
The meeting was launched in Saly, Republic of Senegal, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a strategic partner in the implementation of ECGD’s programmes in the member states.
This was contained in a press release issued by the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication and dated 4 June, 2024.
The meeting, aimed at discussing the state of implementation of the programmes, was the first stage in a series of activities, supported financially and technically by the USAID West Africa.
At the opening ceremony of the meeting, the ECOWAS National Office gave a welcome address, while the Director of the ECGD delivered a message.
The Director recalled the Centre’s objective in implementing its three main programmes, noting that it was to create an enabling environment for gender equality and the economic and social empowerment of women and girls.
“More specifically, the ECGD’s aim is to ensure its repositioning as the agency responsible for implementing and monitoring the ECOWAS gender policy,” it was stated in the release.
The Director of the Centre took the opportunity to express her special thanks to USAID for mobilising its entire team to support the ECGD in organising this activity in addition to its much-appreciated financial contribution.
In her opening speech, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, emphasised the participatory and inclusive approach adopted by the ECGD.
By the approach, she said ECGD opted for the second meeting of the regional programme coordination committees, involving all stakeholders to discuss the state of implementation of the programmes in the beneficiary member states for the Year 2023.
According to the Commissioner, the inclusive and participatory approach by the ECGD made it possible to capitalise on good practice and to identify shortcomings in implementation at both member state and ECOWAS levels.
This, she said was in order to improve good governance and transparency in the technical and financial management of the programmes.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission recently donated cooler boxes to vulnerable fishing communities in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde.
As stated in a press release, a significant handover ceremony was held to benefit the vulnerable fishing communities of Santiago Island, on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the ECOWAS Commission.
The Office of the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Cabo Verde donated cooler boxes to the National Association of the Municipalities of Cabo Verde (ANMCV).
The gesture by the ECOWAS Commission was aimed at supporting around 100 families from the beneficiary communities.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished attendees, including Dr. Samuel Lamptey, the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission; Dr. Herménio Fernandes, President of the ANMCV and Mayor of São Miguel; the Mayor of Sal Island, Dr. Júlio Lopes; the Executive Director of ECREEE; and the National Coordinator of the ECOWAS Cell in Cabo Verde. Dr. Isa Morais.
“This donation is a symbolic step in improving the livelihood conditions of the most vulnerable fishing communities, aligned with the broader goals of ECOWAS.
“By providing these essential resources, ECOWAS continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhance the welfare and sus sustainability of its member states’ citizens,” it was stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Lamptey emphasised the importance of the initiative, explaining that the ECOWAS Commission is dedicated to uplifting the standards of living for all citizens in the member states.
He also added that the donation was a testament to the ongoing efforts to support and empower the communities that need it the most.
Dr. Herménio Femandes expressed his gratitude on behalf of ANMCV, highlighting the positive impact the support will have on the local fishing families.
He said the cooler boxes will greatly assist in preserving the quality of the catch, thereby improving the income and food security in favour of the beneficiary families.
“This handover is not just a celebration of ECOWAS’ 49 anniversary, but also a reaffirmation of its mission to foster cooperation and development within the region.
“The cooler boxes will serve as a practical tool to enhance the economic stability and resilience of Santiago Island’s fishing communities, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainable development,” it was added.
