Report of the 2015 International Women’s Day Stakeholder Commemorations regional and sub-regional levels. These include the African Gender Parity Principle of July 2002 followed by the Protocol on the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA) of July 2004 and the Southern African Development (SADC) Gender and Development Protocol of 2008. All the above instruments aim to promote 50-50% parity principle between women and men in both public and private life. He talked on the multiplier effects that accrue to humanity from empowering women in line with the international theme for the commemorations. He concluded by calling upon the Government to expedite the process of domesticating and implementing various human rights instruments as well as the alignment of laws to the new Constitution. The Chairperson also acknowledged that addressing the 12 critical areas identified in the Beijing Platform for Action required priority attention by all stakeholders. e) Keynote address The Keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Hon A. Damasane. The speech noted the objectives for IWD ranging from general celebration of respect and appreciation for women to a celebration of women’s economic, social, political and cultural achievements as well as challenges they grapple with every day. The address made reference to the 12 critical areas of concern outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action which is a source of inspiration and guidance to Government. The areas are; - Women and the environment - Women in power and decision making - The girl child - Women and the economy - Women and poverty - Violence against women - Human rights of women - Education and training of women - Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women - Women and health - Women and the media - Women and armed conflict Page 9 of 17