The 2026 Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Region Gender Sensitisation Workshop was proudly hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) in Cape Town, South Africa from 14–16 July 2026. Under the theme “Resilient Women, Inclusive Parliaments: Driving Change for Africa’s Future,” the workshop brought together women parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth Africa Region.
On 14 July the CWP Gender Sensitisation Workshop opened with the formal opening ceremony and proceeded to two thematic panel sessions examining, respectively, the interconnections between gender-based violence prevention, reproductive and sexual health rights, and climate action; and the barriers to and enablers of women’s political participation and leadership across the Commonwealth Africa Region.
On Day 2 the Workshop examined the opportunities and challenges facing women in an increasingly digital and economic landscape. Discussions focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on women’s rights, safety and participation, as well as the barriers limiting women’s economic empowerment and challenges related to gender-responsive budgeting. Participants highlighted the critical role of parliaments in promoting inclusive policies, strengthening oversight, advancing gender-responsive budgeting, and ensuring that technological and economic developments contribute to gender equality, dignity and equitable access to opportunities.
The last day of the CWP Gender Sensitisation Workshop examined the complex relationship between cultural norms, legal reform, and social change in advancing gender equality across Africa. Participants reflected on the progress achieved through legislative reforms, while recognising the persistent implementation gaps that continue to prevent many women and girls from fully benefiting from legal protections and policy commitments. The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing social attitudes, strengthening institutions, and engaging communities to ensure that legal reforms result in meaningful improvements in women’s lives.
Credit: Western Cape Provincial Parliament