During the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York, Chadian Minister of State Amina Priscille Longoh highlighted the challenges of gender equality in Chad.
At the UN, the Chadian delegation, led by Minister of State and Minister of Women’s Affairs, Amina Priscille Longoh, addressed obstacles to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The minister called for international support to overcome the economic difficulties which weigh heavily on women and girls in Chad.
In her speech at CSW68, Minister Longoh highlighted that 42.3% of the Chadian population lives in poverty, a state exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change. She highlighted the precarious situation of women, particularly affected by the desertification of Lake Chad.
Chad, committed to sustainable development, has aligned its policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing particularly on SDG 1: eradicating poverty and strengthening the resilience of disadvantaged communities. The government recognizes the vital role of women in agriculture and food security, despite the institutional obstacles they face.
To counter these challenges, Chad has launched economic and societal empowerment initiatives, as well as protection measures against climate change, targeting businesses led by women. The “Vision 2030: the Chad we want”, part of the 2030 Agenda, aims to strengthen the productive capacities of women to reduce poverty.
Transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has reinforced Chad’s commitment to gender equality by elevating the Minister of Women’s Affairs to the rank of Minister of State, emphasizing the importance of women’s integration in key sectors such as transport, energy, humanitarian and hydrocarbons.
Chad recognizes that it cannot solve the systemic issues facing women and girls alone. The Minister of Women’s Affairs emphasized the need for international Community to support developing countries like Chad. Aligning with calls from organizations such as Oxfam, comprehensive global measures are necessary to mitigate COVID-19’s socioeconomic effects. This includes debt relief, special drawing rights issuance, and increased aid.
In order to fund the proposed response plan, the organization suggests implementing certain initiatives:
- Debt should be temporarily put on hold or cancelled altogether.
- The enactment of special drawing rights is required.
- As of now, aid should be increased.
- Introduce a solidarity tax for emergencies.
Chad’s involvement in CSW 68 serves as a prime example of their resolute dedication towards promoting gender equality and empowering women. By openly discussing both the setbacks and accomplishments, Chad urges for unified action to break down deep-rooted disparities and create a fairer world for all. As we contemplate upon the results of CSW 68 worldwide, Chad’s impactful voice reminds us of our obligation to collaborate steadfastly in unlocking every woman’s potential; not just within Chad but globally, too.
