Webinar Zooms in on Challenges Faced by Women Ombudsman

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Celebrating Women Ombudsman was the theme of the webinar hosted by the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) in celebration of Women’s Month.

Facilitated by South Africa’s Deputy Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, the panelists included the Ombudsman of Malawi, Ms Martha Chizuma; and Deputy Ombudsman: Angola Ms Antónia Florbela Rocha Araujo. The webinar focused on the challenges faced by women Ombudsman in a patriarchal African society and how they can make a difference in the lives of the poor and marginalised.

In her opening remarks, Ms Janine Hicks of UKZN’s School of Law noted that insights on the particular challenges confronted by women Ombudsman will contribute to strategies and recommendations on how these can best be addressed to benefit poor and marginalised communities.

‘The African continent is not alone in facing resistance to women’s leadership and participation in mediation and dispute resolution. Through this webinar, we hope to generate suggestions and strategies within our community of practice on how these challenges may be overcome. Key to this will be how best we can draw on the unique strengths that women Ombudsman offer, and the positive impact they bring to their work,’ she said.

Reflecting on her experiences as a woman Ombudsman, Chizuma cited work-life balance and the attitudes and stereotypes deeply rooted in patriarchy as the biggest challenges.

‘Our job is tough due to the context we are in. Our situation is even worse now as our job is to hold powerful people accountable. Our goal is to change patriarchal attitudes, as we do not see men as enemies but want them to see us as equal partners in the fight for justice for the poor and marginalised. As women, we are builders and nurturers of society. We should embrace our strengths and be bold, ethical and authentic. Yes, patriarchy exists but we are much stronger than that,’ said Chuzuma.

For RochaAraujo, women’s emancipation and empowerment are the key to cementing women in leadership spaces. She stressed that women should not wait for men to place them in leadership spaces and that women Ombudsman should raise awareness about the challenges women face and ensure that women’s rights are upheld.

Gcaleka called for everyone to do more for the betterment of women.

‘When a woman takes up a position and shakes things up she is seen as a disruption. It becomes about her and she is known as “that woman”. Our role is to use our diversity and compassion to unlock these gaps. We also have to use mainstream media to promote the work we do. As women in the Ombudsman family we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and carry the baton for those who will come after us.’

The webinar was also held in French and Arabic where speaker, Ms Nichole Tirant-Gherardi, the Ombudsman of Seychelles; facilitator Ms Monique Andréas Esoavelomandroso, Mediator of the Republic of Madagascar; and Mme Ingy El Shanoubi of International Affairs: National Council for Human Rights – Egypt, discussed the same theme.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photographs: Supplied