SOME of Africa s best female singers have come together in song for The One Poverty is Sexist campaign.

The campaign calls for world leaders to put girls and women centre stage this year while new development goals are set by world leaders at the United Nations.

Seven musicians from seven countries will perform on the song: Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Judith Sephuma (South Africa), Waje (Nigeria) Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Arielle T (Gabon), Gabriela (Mozambique) and Selomor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe).

The musicians will be joined by Nollywood superstar actress Omotola and South African TV personality Stoan Seete in recording a video for the song. The song is produced by Nigerian producer Cobhams Asuquo, who won critical world acclaim with his production of Asa s chart-topping hits Jailer and Fire on the Mountain.

It is scheduled for release on May 13, in the run-up to the AU Heads of State Summit next month. The summit is expected to make key decisions to enhance the socioeconomic and political advancement of women on the continent.

The song is inspired by a recently released report by ONE titled, Poverty is Sexist: Why girls and women must be at the heart of the fight to end extreme poverty

The report shows how unlocking women s economic potential could improve the lives of everyone in society. It also illustrates the structural nature of the social, economic, political and cultural barriers that militate against women and girls. The findings show that poverty and gender inequality go hand in hand.

Not only are girls and women worse off than their male counterparts, but the gender gap between males and females is greatest in the poorest countries.

The female musicians are lending their voices to bring world attention to the fact that girls and women are disproportionately affected by gender inequality.

ONE has been consistent in advocating for women s empowerment, but 2015 is a critical year for action.

These brilliant female artists are using their voices and their social media platforms to demand that our leaders do more to put girls and women at the heart of the fight to end extreme poverty.”

Go to www.one.org to sign up to the Poverty is Sexist campaign.

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