Speech Transcripts

Her Excellency Miss Helen Clark, Administrator of United Nations Development Programme; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen – Good afternoon.

I am honored to be here today for the launch of the 2016 Africa Human Development Report. This report offers an indispensable explanation of why inclusive development is essential to empower and promote the equal status of women and girls in Africa. It also underscores the importance of expanding choices and opportunities for women to drive African economies forward.

A major theme of TICAD VI is the strong demand for structural transformation in Africa. To pursue this, we must not ignore the complex challenges African women face. In both the public and private sector, and at every level of decision-making from the government to the household, women still only have few opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Women often face discrimination in terms of labor, employment and wages, and also face lower incomes than men.

Some of these challenges are shared by Japanese women, and it is essential to tackle these challenges. That is why the Japanese government has been making efforts to create "a society in which women shine." Gradual changes have been made. As you may know, Tokyo's first female governor was elected a month ago.

JICA has long been working with African countries to expand educational opportunities for both men and women. I believe that education is a key to ensuring equal opportunity for women to have access to decent work and other economic opportunities.

JICA also helps African women succeed in the business world through the Japan-Africa Business Women Exchange Program. Since the launch of this program at the last TICAD in 2013, 58 female entrepreneurs from 18 African countries have shared their experiences and knowledge, and built networks with their Japanese counterparts. They have since returned to their countries to take action. Examples of their efforts include strengthening government-civil society ties and launching measures to uplift young entrepreneurs and poor working women. It is highly encouraging to see how the program alumnae are already drawing on their leadership skills to overcome the status quo. More support for others like them is necessary to erode gender disparities to access employment and business opportunities across Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, as part of the Government of Japan, JICA is committed to continuing its collaboration with African countries to promote gender equality, both by augmenting women's participation in the economy and breaking down barriers to essential services that sustain it. We wholeheartedly endorse the Africa Human Development Report and will reference it in our attempts to create an enabling environment for powerful African women to exercise their boundless talents. Diversity of choice, dignity, and betterment of the lives of women will help us achieve sustainable and inclusive development in Africa.

Thank you very much.