The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Gervais Henrie, represented Seychelles at the 84th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Executive Committee meeting in Durban, South Africa.
Hon. Henrie attended the meeting hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature from the 3rd to 6th of April 2023. The twice annual meeting included a broad range of topics including how African women can strengthen their voice in parliament through more organised lobbying, the ongoing activities of regional branches and the financial status of the organization.
The Africa Region of the CPA comprises of the 63 national and subnational Legislatures and is governed by the Co-ordinating Committee and the Executive Committee which consist of representatives from across the region.
The Deputy Speaker noted that “the relationship between the National Assembly and CPA Africa is long established with its strength and weaknesses. These exchanges are always evolving, and we stand to benefit more if we maintain an active role within the regional organization”.
The aim of CPA Africa is to promote and protect the interests and perspectives of the regional parliaments and countries into the Commonwealth and beyond; to promote gender equality and the emancipation of women; and to increase awareness and responsiveness for human rights, freedoms, democracy, and good governance.
A total of 12 out of 19 CPA African Regional Representatives attended the meeting.
