African activists call for debt cancellation, economic system overhaul
"How are you engaging with citizens?" Musindarwezo asked, challenging governments to involve people in decisions about acquiring and using loans.
MAPUTO, Mozambique— Activists at the 4th African Conference on Debt and Development conference in Mozambique are demanding a radical transformation of Africa's economic systems, including debt cancellation and a shift away from GDP as a measure of success, writes Winston Mwale.
Keynote speaker Dinah Musindarwezo of Womankind highlighted the disproportionate impact of debt on women and girls.
"Debt crisis is a feminist issue," Musindarwezo said.
"The negative implications of debt conditionalities and repayment fuel existing gender inequalities."
She criticized the current global economic system as "gender exploitative" and designed to benefit from women's labor while paying them little.
Musindarwezo called for a complete overhaul of economic policies, arguing that reforms are insufficient.
"Feminists have long called for system change," she said. "It's about dismantling the existing system that is actually not working for the majority of people."
The conference addressed issues such as high interest rates on African debt, lack of transparency in borrowing, and the impact of austerity measures on public services.
Musindarwezo emphasized the need for a decolonization approach to address inequalities faced by African countries.
She suggested that debt cancellation should be viewed as a form of reparation for the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
The gathering also discussed the importance of social care work and the need for meaningful citizen participation in economic decision-making.
"How are you engaging with citizens?" Musindarwezo asked, challenging governments to involve people in decisions about acquiring and using loans.
The conference represents a growing movement of African feminists calling for fundamental changes in global economic structures to address longstanding inequalities and promote sustainable development.
The 4th African Conference on Debt and Development, held from Aug. 28-30, focused on pan-African feminist perspectives on the continent's debt crisis.