The Southern African Development Community will convene a virtual meeting of ministers responsible for gender and women’s affairs from 22 to 26 June 2026 to advance the region’s gender equality and women’s empowerment agenda. The meeting will be chaired by South Africa and will bring together ministers from SADC Member States to review progress and provide policy guidance on gender-related programmes.
According to the SADC Secretariat, the meeting will be preceded by senior officials’ sessions that will consider technical reports and make recommendations for ministerial deliberation.
“SADC Member States are expected to assess progress on the implementation of the SADC Gender Programme for 2025/2026 and strengthen coordination in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment across the region,” the Secretariat said.
Ministers will review the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and gender mainstreaming across SADC programmes, including the Gender Equality Seal initiative within the SADC Secretariat.
The agenda also includes women’s economic empowerment initiatives such as the Regional Multi-Dimensional Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme and the SADC/AUDA-NEPAD project on Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship Development, aimed at increasing women’s participation in business, leadership and decision-making.
“The meeting will further consider progress on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, focusing on strengthening the participation of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and mediation processes across the region,” the Secretariat noted.
Ministers will also assess progress on the SADC Regional Strategy and Framework of Action for Addressing Gender-Based Violence 2018–2030, including its acceleration plan and efforts to strengthen prevention mechanisms and data systems across Member States.
SADC said the virtual meeting is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the implementation of gender equality commitments in line with its mandate to promote sustainable development, good governance and inclusive growth across Southern Africa.
