Today, June 27th, a joint seminar titled “Enhancing African Family Values to Achieve Citizens’ Socioeconomic Protection and Security” is taking place as part of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament. This seminar aligns with the African Union (AU) theme for 2024, "Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century." The Permanent Committees on Health, Labour and Social Affairs; Justice and Human Rights; and Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources are actively engaging in presentations and discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
The opening session delved into “The State of Family Research and Policy in Africa,” featuring a comprehensive presentation by Professor Zitha Mokomane from the University of Pretoria and Mr. Lefhoko Kesamang, Senior Social Welfare Officer at the African Union Commission. Their presentation, "Mapping Family Research and Policy in Africa," provided insights into the current state of family research and the policies shaping family welfare across the continent.
The committees acknowledged the resilience of African families as critical to the survival, development and prosperity of Africa historically and in the future. The critical role of the family as the cornerstone of socialization and education for children was discussed at length, noting that family resilience is bolstered by emotional, cultural values, and support systems. Discussions also emphasized the strategic need for robust social protection systems for families, especially in the face of poverty, bereavement, disability, climate change, wars, and other crises.
Key points discussed include emphasizing the necessity for policies that provide socioeconomic protection for families, ensuring they are equipped to handle various crises. Recognizing that education begins within the family unit and extends into the classroom, highlighting the family’s role in fostering educational success. Parliamentarians were urged to support the Plan of Action on the Family in Africa, which will be presented at the African Union 6th 𝐌𝐢𝐝-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 which will bring together Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms & African Union member States in Addis Ababa this July 18th-21st. The seminar advocated for investment in family research, particularly in Africa, to inform policies that are contextually relevant and effective.
Additionally, the seminar addressed contemporary issues affecting families, such as family formation, the impact of technology, and the need for inclusive policies that consider diverse family structures. Recommendations were made to apply a family lens to all sectors, ensuring that the impact of policies on families is considered across all areas of governance. The committees are committed to exploring the best models and strategies that can be adopted more broadly, recognizing the unique and diverse nature of family units across Africa. As noted during the discussions, the focus is not to impose a single model of family but to identify and promote best practices that support family welfare and development.
The opening seminar concluded with a call to action for parliamentarians to advocate for comprehensive family policies, invest in family research, and apply a strengths-based approach to understanding and supporting African families. The emphasis is on leveraging local knowledge and practices to protect and empower families, ultimately contributing to the continent’s socioeconomic development. The seminar on ‘The State of Family Research and Policy in Africa’ was followed by a seminar on ‘Overview of National Legislation on Family’ where parliamentarians shared experiences and success stories from their home countries and national parliaments.
