The new African Union (AU) chairman and Malawi president Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika announced that the summit had decided to launch the Fund for African Women to demonstrate the commitment of supporting the mothers of civilization.

"This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting the socio-economic status of our mothers on the continent. The decision is a practical step, which elevates our quest for pronounced action in addressing the need of our women on the continent," said Mutharika.

He told the assembly that the decision will compel African countries to take urgent steps, to formally commit to all instruments on promotion of women's status, including ratification of the AU protocol on the rights of women.

"The need to take action now is urgent so that whatever we decide and declare directly benefits the common African citizen. It is only when we act now that our people will come to appreciate the existence, foundations and future of our organization. Let us act now," added Mutharika.

-APA