I read with great interest the feature on developing African women's human rights and opportunities (Pambazuka News 103). I am a British male who has worked with Lesley Abdela of Eyecatcher/Shevolution for 25 years in the advance of women in politics. We believe that African women are Africa's only hope, not just Africa's best hope, because Africa is slipping back in economic, political and social development, not moving forward. Africa's women need political power or they will always be calling through the window at the men who hold power and misuse that power. Africa's women must seek at least parity (50%) in the Town Halls and Parliaments in every country. Holding power means the ability to decide what is best for your community. It means you can allocate available resources. It means you can start to suppress wrongs like domestic violence because you can change or introduce new legislation to fit the need. It means girls' rights can be enhanced, including equal access to education. It means women can decide how the economy should develop, including agriculture and small business. I can tell you, I have been in many countries with Lesley Abdela, conducting skills workshops for between 20 and 80 future women leaders, and I am completely certain that Africa's best hope for progress, stability and international acceptance will come when women are at least 50% of every Parliament, from Cape to Cairo!

Tim Symonds
Eyecatcher Associates/Shevolution