Mr. Rigobert OROU GANNI on the Feminist Approach to Debt

PH: ⁣DR: Mr. Rigobert OROU GANNI, President ⁢of the Board of Directors of the Benin Network of Social Protection

Mr. Rigobert OROU GANNI, President of the Board of Directors⁢ of the Social Watch Benin‌ Network, shares his thoughts on the feminist approach to debt.

In Maputo, the capital of ​the Republic of Mozambique, we gathered to discuss the feminist approach to debt. Over⁤ three days, we attended sessions on various ‌themes linked to the main topic: “The Debt‌ Crisis in Africa: Pan-African Feminist Perspectives and Alternatives”. We shared experiences ⁤and good⁢ practices on empowering⁢ women and ‌their crucial role in the development process.

The feminist approach to debt emerged because African countries share‍ common characteristics: women dominate the population, work extensively, and​ are victims of inequality, beaten and raped. We questioned what our leaders do ‌with the money borrowed through debt. The​ aim of this forum ⁢was to ⁤attract leaders’ attention to responsible debt contracting, benefiting vulnerable groups and contributing to women’s emancipation.

When discussing taxes, women pay taxes in markets and⁢ hospitals, often without the means to seek treatment. Meanwhile, leaders contract debts to build infrastructure that does not ⁤benefit the population. We heard ‌a testimony in Maputo about a ⁤debt contracted to build ⁢a bridge that did not improve women’s lives. Our leaders need​ to think ‍differently. Debt becomes⁤ a burden when taken out to solve individual problems, and it ‌becomes ‍bad when ‌it does not benefit the general ⁢good.

The World Health Organization has started a movement ⁤in all African​ countries, establishing coalitions for⁤ advocacy and pressure on governments to contract responsible debts. We hope the feminist approach to debt can be successful if there is synergy around women’s actions. This approach is ‍not⁣ only about women but also about men and women working together, including women in this movement.

We appeal to‌ our leaders to contract responsible‍ and transparent debts. Accountability is necessary,⁣ and leaders must⁢ provide information on managing debt money. We call on our​ leaders to release information on public debts: what did the debt money achieve? We urge our leaders to be transparent and accountable to the population.