The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Signature Event, "Investing in Women for Peace and Prosperity" provided meaningful discussion on improving gender equality and female empowerment in Africa. Dr. Jill Biden's comments included stories about women she met on her recent trip to Africa and their perseverance in the face of medical issues, sexual violence, cost of higher education and conflict. Ambassador Samantha Power posed thoughtful questions and reinforced U.S. commitment to gender issues.

The panel included Ambassador Power, Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, African Union Commission, Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma and World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim.  Dr. Kim spoke about the need to challenge cultural norms, his Korean upbringing and how no culture should include inequality as a "tradition." Dr. Zuma provided a comprehensive description of what women and girls are facing and need across the continent, referenced the amount of time women spend thinking about child care for their children and how they might add more to society with better services.  President Keita spoke to the need for more women in elected office and described the strong women in his country saying, "Women don't want the gift of equality. They want justice." 

Source: DRG Center Newsletter