The meeting emphasized the significance of women’s active participation in politics, not just as tokens, but as architects of policy and decision-makers. True impact, resonated the call, comes from being present where it matters most. The discourse urged a reimagining of women’s leadership in both public and private sectors, acknowledging it as the key to substantial progress.

The session served as a powerful reflection, delving into the past, present, and future of women’s leadership on the continent. A stark reality emerged: African women, brimming with potential, were systematically denied meaningful platforms in political discourse and decision-making.

“We need to push back against these oppressive structures, and in the spirit of Sawubona, lift each other up!” thundered Hon. Millie Odhiambo, Suba North Member of Parliament of Kenya. Her words dispelled the myth of politics being a moral challenge for women, declaring, “Women leaders are capable. Women must be bold to take their rightful pace in the political space.”

Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Fatuma Ndangiza, Secretary General of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Women’s Caucus, highlighted the grassroots struggle of women in politics. “African women are capable of leading, but they are overburdened by the triple role – family, equality, and change,” she stated, her voice resonating with the struggles of countless women juggling responsibilities while fighting for their rightful place.

“Women must find their way into the rooms where decisions are made,” asserted Winnie Kiiza, a former Leader of Opposition in Uganda. Her words painted a stark picture of millions of women silenced by poverty and oppression, their voices yearning to be heard.

The pre-Sawubona meeting was not just a discussion; it was an ignition. It ignited a renewed passion, a burning desire to rewrite the narrative of women’s political participation in Africa. The message was clear: women must lead and femntorship (as opposed to the proverbial mentoring) the next generation to accelerate the momentum of inclusive governance and gender equality.

The 40th session of Gender is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) emerged as a pivotal platform, galvanizing young feminist advocates into catalysts for societal change. Addressing attendees during the GIMAC youth advocacy training, Doris Munyingi of GROOTs Kenya emphatically stated, “We must allocate 20% of our gross development product to education, ensuring African women and girls access quality learning opportunities.”

Globally, staggering statistics reveal that 32 million girls are deprived of primary education, with an additional 29 million lacking access to lower secondary schooling. Within Africa, these figures hold significant weight, albeit with variations across nations. A UNICEF study underscores that one in three girls on the continent is wed before reaching 18, severely impeding their educational pursuits and future prospects.

Hadjara Harouna, a spirited activist from Niger, lamented, “Despite the advancements of the 21st century, young women continue to confront injustice, inequity, and formidable barriers hindering their educational aspirations.” Harouna emphasized the imperative for the African Union and its member states to prioritize gender parity within educational frameworks.

Echoing these sentiments, Gloria Eboso, an impassioned advocate from Kenya, asserted, “Education serves as the key to unlocking opportunities, enhancing livelihoods, and empowering women to transcend the cycle of poverty.” Eboso urged African governments to facilitate the reintegration of women and girls, in all their capacities, into educational settings to foster both learning and unlearning.

A 2021 UNICEF report underscored the persistent challenge of widespread educational exclusion among African children, with a disproportionate impact on the most marginalized segments of society. Despite incremental progress, many African nations continue to grapple with the task of ensuring universal access to quality education.

“Sílvia Mahumane from Mozambique poignantly observed, “Our African governments must prioritize educational investment. As young girls, we are still on the cusp of accessing quality education, yet it appears we are being left behind.”

The 40th GIMAC deliberated extensively on the intrinsic value of education; however, the African Union remains yet to devise concrete solutions for harnessing the continent’s future human capital. As Africa stands on the precipice of progress, the imperative to invest in education as a cornerstone of sustainable development cannot be overstated.