Baku:The Secretary-General of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Deo Mwapinga, has called for enhanced parliamentary oversight and resource mobilization to bolster the protection of women and girls affected by conflicts within the region.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Mwapinga made this call during the Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Tanzania. He emphasized the necessity of meaningful parliamentary participation to strengthen the connection between regional commitments and the resources required for their implementation.
Mwapinga highlighted the ongoing conflicts in the Great Lakes Region as persistent threats that expose women and girls to forced displacement, insecurity, and gender-based violence. He expressed concerns about the insufficient representation of women in negotiation and decision-making processes.
He urged the participants to translate regional commitments into tangible parliamentary actions at the national level by utilizing oversight powers and monitoring outcomes to achieve measurable progress in protecting women and girls.
Mwapinga also recognized Tanzania's historical significance in the region's pursuit of freedom, peace, and unity, noting its support for African liberation movements and contributions to regional integration efforts. He acknowledged the role of Tanzanian women in public services, social life, and the economy, which adds particular importance to the conference's location.
Discussing regional instruments, Mwapinga referenced the Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2026-2030 and the organization's regional agenda. He praised the ICGLR Secretariat for developing these tools but stressed the necessity of stronger parliamentary involvement in their implementation, monitoring, and oversight.
