Imagine being told as a boy, if you feel like a girl, then you can become one. Imagine, as a parent, disciplining your own child becomes an abuse or insult declared by courts of law. There's something fundamentally wrong with this scenario, and it ought to be corrected as soon as possible. The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 saw the division and scramble of Africa without an African having a seat at the table. Now it seems we are facing a similar situation, where our cultural values are being shaped by outside influences instead of honoring our unique African heritage.

The upcoming Pan-African Conference on Family Values is at risk of being influenced more by American and European perspectives rather than genuinely reflecting African traditions and beliefs. This concerns many of us because family values are deeply rooted in our cultural identity, and they should not be dictated by those who are unfamiliar with the African context. The inclusion of large numbers of non-African contributors promoting Western ideologies around gender and family is not only inappropriate but also threatens to undermine our societal norms which recognize only two genders: male and female.

This petition calls for the reconsideration or halting of the conference unless the agenda and speakers authentically represent African voices and values. The need for cultural respect and understanding is paramount. Such sensitive topics should be handled internally within the African community, ensuring that any discussion about family values aligns with what is culturally and socially acceptable in Africa.

We must safeguard our traditions and ensure that African perspectives are at the forefront in discussions that impact us directly. Without genuine African representation, the conference fails its purpose and risks being another colonial imposition masked under the guise of international dialogue.

Let us stand together to protect our cultural integrity and ensure that African voices lead the conversation on African family values. Please sign this petition to call for a redefined Pan-African Conference that truly respects and prioritizes African perspectives and wisdom.