NOW is the Time

For the G7 Summit in Biarritz from 24 to 26 August 2019, President Macron has chosen inequality as a key priority, with a focus on gender equality. While women’s rights are increasingly questioned worldwide, the French initiative has put the fight for gender equality at the top of the political agenda. This is particularly relevant for women and girls in the least developed countries. Fulfilling their potential is the key to meaningful progress regarding the SDGs. Without the equal participation of women in politics, the economy and society, it will be impossible to achieve the goals of Agenda 2030.

This year’s G7 Summit provided a unique opportunity to accelerate the fight for gender equality. The GP Circle discussed the outcomes of the G7 Summit and whether Heads of State and Government have made progress on the gender equality agenda.

The event also highlighted strategies for Germany, France and the rest of the G7 to support women’s rights in the least developed countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa.

Rosebell Kagumire underlined in her speech that women in Africa should not only be seen as victims of poverty or violence, but also as active women in shaping their societies. Sustainable development can only be achieved if women’s voices are sufficiently heard and their interests are politically represented.

Parliamentary State Secretary Caren Marks fully agreed. She stressed that women’s rights – which explicitly include sexual and reproductive rights – are non-negotiable human rights.

Dr. Maria Flachsbarth, Parliamentary State Secretary of the BMZ, added that sexualised violence is a huge problem that requires decisive multilateral solutions.
The high-level roundtable provided political decision-makers with new impetus in the forefront of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2019.