IGAD Gender

Official X account of @IGADsecretariat Gender Department, responsible for coordinating gender mainstreaming & promoting equality and women's empowerment in IGAD

[IGAD Gender @IGADgender]

🕊️ IGAD Ministerial Conference on Women, Peace and Security

📅 27 February 2026,–Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪

The @IGADsecretariat Ministerial Conference on Women, Peace and Security successfully concluded in Nairobi with commitments to institutionalise gender-transformative peacebuilding across the region.

The Ministers, Heads of Delegation, Delegates, and Experts ;

🔹 Endorsed the establishment of the IGAD Women Mediation Advisory Board to reinforce inclusive preventive diplomacy

🔹 Adopted the IGAD Gender Statistics Strategy (2026–2030) to strengthen harmonised, gender-disaggregated data for evidence-based policy

🔹 Launched the Gendered Intersectionality Toolkit, advancing inclusive conflict prevention by integrating analysis of overlapping identities into early warning and mediation efforts

The Conference closed with a clear regional resolve to strengthen women’s leadership, enhance data-driven peacebuilding, and advance inclusive security across the IGAD region.

#IGAD #WPS

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

On the margins of the IsDB Annual meetings in Baku, I was received by H.E. @YalchinRafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with whom we discussed matters of mutual concern, including peace and security, climate change, education, and capacity building in digitalization of government services. We’ve agreed on a roadmap to institutionalize our partnership to create more opportunities for the people of our region

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

IGAD at the IsDB 2026 Meetings

The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh, is currently leading an IGAD delegation to the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (@isdb_group) meetings in Baku Azerbaijan.

Over the next two days, the Executive Secretary will be meeting with IsDB officials, Development Partners, Member state representatives, and High-level officials from the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to rally support for regional initiatives aimed at reducing fragility and enhancing resilience to our communities that are now facing emerging threats due to the declining global support to multilateralism and regional programmes.

#OneRegionOneFuture
#RisingWithIGAD

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

💼 Labour Migration and Decent Work Reporting Award.
#IGADMediaAwards2026

Across the #IGAD region, millions of people move in search of employment, better opportunities, and improved livelihoods for themselves and their families.

Their journeys shape economies, support communities, and contribute to regional development. Yet their stories often go untold.

The Labour Migration and Decent Work Reporting Award recognises outstanding journalism that sheds light on labour mobility, workers' rights, decent employment opportunities, ethical recruitment, and the contribution of migrant workers to society.

Are you telling stories that matter?

📌 Submit your story:
https://t.co/jFyIrqYgH0

📅 Submission Deadline: 31 July 2026

#IGADMediaAwards
#RisingWithIGAD
#OneRegionOneFuture

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

As we mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslims across the IGAD region and around the world.
May this new year bring peace to our communities, prosperity to our nations, and hope to all those striving for a better future.

Hijri Mubarak.

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

IGAD Executive Secretary Commends Referee Omar Artan on Historic European Assignment

IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh, has extended his warmest congratulations to Somali Referee Omar Artan, who has been selected to officiate the highly anticipated match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.

Highlighting the significance of this milestone, the Executive Secretary stated:

"The faith instilled in Omar by UEFA, CAF, and FIFA is proof of how far hard work, passion, and dedication can take you. Congratulations to Referee Omar of Somalia. To the youth across the IGAD region: the sky is no longer the limit. Our new horizon is a united region driven by world-class experts, talents, and leaders."

#OneRegionOneFuture
#RisingWithIGAD

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Farewell to H.E. Dr. Heike Fuller, the outgoing Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Djibouti and Permanent Representative to IGAD.

H.E. Dr. Heike Fuller has played important role in strengthening IGAD–Germany relations, through which we jointly implemented initiatives that support migrants and vulnerable communities across the IGAD region.
I wish her every success in her future endeavours.

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

IGAD Calls for Immediate De-escalation to Protect Somalia’s Stability and Future

Read more: https://t.co/XdZFioB2sI

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

📣 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: In-Country Training and Mentorship for Women and Youth MSMEs on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade 🌍💻

IGAD invites women and youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across its Member States to apply for the In-Country Training and Mentorship Programme on Gender-Sensitive Digital Trade under the HDMI Project.

The programme combines three-day in-person national trainings with ongoing online mentorship support, delivered by trained Gender Champions using the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology.

Participants will strengthen their skills in:

✅ Digital finance and e-commerce
✅ Digital marketing and online business growth
✅ Business management and entrepreneurship
✅ Online safety and digital inclusion
✅ Access to regional and international markets, including opportunities under the AfCFTA

📅 Training Period: July – December 2026

⏳ Application Deadline: June 13, 2026

📍 Training Schedule

• July – Djibouti and Somalia
• September – Ethiopia
• October – South Sudan and Sudan
• November – Uganda
• December – Kenya

📲 Scan the QR code on the poster to submit your application or apply here:

https://t.co/iurynxmgPX

#RisingWithIGAD
#OneRegionOneFuture

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Disease outbreaks do not respect borders, and neither should our response.
This morning, together with IGAD Health Ministers, I convened the IGAD Extraordinary Health Ministerial Meeting on the current Ebola outbreak. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to collective preparedness and response.
With @pandemicfund ,@WHO and @ifrc, we pledged USD 1 million to each Member States.
I urge the public to remain vigilant, follow health guidance, and report suspected cases promptly.

[IGAD Peace and Security Division @IGADPeace]

𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗗 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 30 May 2026

The #IGAD Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Ethiopia concluded its two-day orientation programme for observers ahead of the 7th General Election. The final day focused on election day observation checklists, logistics, security arrangements, and operational preparedness to ensure a coordinated and effective observation process.

During theclosing remarks, H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe (@SpeciosaW ) Head of the IGAD EOM, and her Deputy H.E. Mohamed Ali Houmed, underscored the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to international principles of election observation.

Following the orientation, observers were officially deployed and have commenced travel to their respective regions across #Ethiopia, where they will observe the electoral process and engage with key stakeholders in the lead-up to polling day.

#IGADEOM2026 #EthiopiaDecides2026 🗳️

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Eid Mubarak! As we celebrate Eid Al-Adha, let’s remember the spirit of sacrifice, devotion, and kindness. Wishing you a beautiful day of celebration with family, friends, and plenty of blessings.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Days after the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, I received H.E. Jerome Bresson, Ambassador of France to Djibouti and accredited to IGAD, as he presented his letters of credence. We discussed the evolving geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and opportunities to strengthen IGAD–France cooperation, particularly in peace and security, economic development, and regional stability.

France remains a valued partner, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in support of shared regional goals.

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

Happy Africa Day from us at IGAD!

[Abdirashid Nur @Abdirachiid]

This kind of practical support goes a long way in strengthen women’s livelihoods, dignity, and economic resilience across our region. It also reflects the broader commitment to inclusive growth and women’s empow, alongside the work being advanced through @IGADgender @xubbifarah

[IGAD Secretariat @IGADsecretariat]

IGAD Executive Secretary Appoints Head of Mission to the Republic of the Sudan

H.E. @DrWorkneh, Executive Secretary of IGAD, has appointed Mrs. Rania Mustafa Hassan as Acting IGAD Head of Mission to the Republic of the Sudan, as part of IGAD’s continued re-engagement with Sudan and the reopening of its office in Khartoum.

The appointment underscores IGAD’s continued solidarity with the people of Sudan and its commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement in support of peace, recovery, and stability.

#RisingWithIGAD
#OneRegionOneFuture

[Fahima Mohamed/Farm Girl @FarmGirlDJ]

Beautiful Friday filled with gratitude, purpose and hope.
Today was more than a symbolic moment for Women Initiative #Djibouti. It was a reminder that when institutions choose to invest in women, they invest in stronger families, resilient communities and a more inclusive future.

I am deeply honored, as the Head of Women Initiative Djibouti, to witness and receive the generous support from #IGAD and to meet @DrWorkneh, a leader who, since his appointment, has continued to make time for women and support women-led initiatives across the region.

These actions matter because grassroots women matter.
Every woman we support carries a story of resilience:
women waking up before sunrise,
women balancing motherhood and business, young girls dreaming of independence, women refusing to give up despite economic hardship.

This support, alongside capacity-building efforts, innovation funds and continued collaboration with @IGADsecretariat, shows that empowering women economically is not charity, it is development,stability and community transformation.

Thank you Excellency @DrWorkneh and team for believing in local women-led initiatives.
And thank you to everyone working every day to ensure that no woman is left behind.

When women rise, nations rise. 🇩🇯
#WomenInitiativeDjibouti #IGAD #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicEmpowerment #Djibouti #WomenLeadership #CommunityDevelopment #WomenSupportingWomen #YouthEmpowerment

[𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 🇰🇪 @NyangePatience]

I have lived in #Djibouti for more than two years now. It’s so beautiful to see women in this country transform their families' lives through small businesses that support livelihoods and strengthen communities. The hot season in Djibouti doesn’t stop them. They courageously endure the sunny days, so that at the end of the day, they have something to give back to their families. They inspire me day after day.

Today in Djibouti, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E @DrWorkneh handed over outdoor market umbrellas to Women Initiative Djibouti to support local women in growing their daily economic activities. Together with recent capacity-building trainings under the @IGADgender, today’s gesture reflects our continued commitment to women’s economic empowerment across the region.

#IGADAt40

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Across our region, many women are transforming the lives of their families through small businesses that support livelihoods and strengthen communities.
Today in Djibouti, I handed over outdoor market umbrellas to Women Initiative Djibouti to support local women in growing their daily economic activities. Together with recent capacity-building trainings, this reflects our continued commitment to women’s economic empowerment across the region.

[IGAD Gender @IGADgender]

Last week, IGAD Gender Office delegation, led by Gender & Youth Affairs Manager Ms, Amina Farah (@xubbifarah), paid a courtesy visit to Garissa County Deputy Governor H.E. Abdi Dagane Muhumed to discuss collaboration on advancing women’s leadership and strengthening gender inclusion in governance and humanitarian response.

@NGECKenya #WomenLeadership #Garissa #GenderEquality