Gimac Youth Network

GIMAC is a Youth Network under the @gimacnetwork that advocates for rights of girls & young women across Africa

[Gimac Youth Network @GimacYouth]

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐂 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆🌍💧
📢 The wait is over! We are pleased to announce the new date for the 16th GIMAC Young Women Advocacy Training, bringing together young women across Africa to strengthen their voices, leadership and influence in policy processes.

✨ Theme: Young Women in Policy Advocacy for Gender-Responsive Water and Sanitation in Africa

📅 27 September 2026
🕘 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM EAT
📍 Ractus Hotel, New Alamein, Egypt | Online via Zoom

This training will create a dynamic space for young women to build advocacy skills, engage in policy dialogue and champion gender-responsive water and sanitation solutions across the continent.
💧 Young women. Stronger voices. Transformative policies.
🔗 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register for online participation.
Join us and be part of the movement shaping Africa’s water future!

#16GIMACYouth #GIMACYouth #YoungWomen #WomenInLeadership #PolicyAdvocacy #GenderResponsiveWASH #WaterJustice #AfricaWaterVision2063 #WomenAndGirls #YouthLeadership #GIMAC

[GIMAC Network @GimacNetwork]

Water, education and opportunity are deeply connected.
Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists, reminds us that safe water, sanitation and hygiene are essential to creating learning environments where girls can stay in school, thrive and reach their full potential.
Young people will help set the tone at the GIMAC Youth Convergence on 26 September, ahead of the 8th GIMAC CSO–RECs Strategic Meeting, 27–29 September 2026.
Youth participation:
Register here for the Youth Convergence⁠: https://t.co/kghd6LgYbN
#8GIMACRECs #GIMACYouth #GirlsEducation #WASH #GenderEquality #AfricaWaterVision2063

[Rehema Malole @RehemaMalole]

Depuis Bujumbura, les jeunes Africains sont clairs,la Charte de la jeunesse doit devenir action. #AYCat20, c'est transformer 20 ans de promesses en politiques concrètes, pour nourrir le Rapport sur la gouvernance en Afrique 2027.@ACCORD_online @AU_WGYD @_AfricanUnion @GimacYouth

[Rehema Malole @RehemaMalole]

Multigenerational voices at #WPSandYPS show that peace in Africa must be built on justice, dignity & inclusion. From leaders to young women, the message is clear: implement Res. 1325 & 2250 so women & youth can shape the Africa We Want. @WPS
@unwomenAU @AUC_OSEWPS @ACCORD_online

[Rehema Malole @RehemaMalole]

Je ne savais pas où tu étais, mais pour les sessions d'aujourd'hui, ne manque pas 👉 la Conférence Créative de la Jeunesse (YCC) 2.0 sur le Silence des Armes, la Charte Africaine de la Jeunesse @20 – De la Promesse à la Prospérité
#WPS @_AfricanUnion @GimacNetwork @ACCORD_online

[Rehema Malole @RehemaMalole]

At the session on Rethinking Water Security in Africa chaired by H.E. Dr. Hassan Kibeya stressed that water is life but also security,dignity & peace. @mznaab urged collaboration to build trust, inclusive governance & resilience. #WPS @ACCORD_online
@PNUDBurundi @GimacNetwork

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

"Africa has never lacked capable women leaders. What has often been missing is an ecosystem that intentionally prepares, mentors, accompanies, and supports women throughout their leadership journey."

In my opening statement at the launch of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, I underscored that the Academy represents a decisive shift from advocacy to action.

More than a training programme, the Academy is a continental platform to equip, mentor, and accompany Africa's next generation of women leaders, building the partnerships, sisterhood, and support systems needed to strengthen governance, advance peace, and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

#AfricanWomenLead #WomenInPolitics #Agenda2063

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

Good morning, Africa!

Today marks a significant milestone as we officially launch the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali, Rwanda—a bold initiative to strengthen women's leadership and advance inclusive governance across our continent.

Join us live as we celebrate the beginning of this transformative journey.

📺 Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/J5v5bne2X0

#AfricanWomenLead #WomenInPolitics #PoliticalLeadership

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

Tomorrow, Africa takes another bold step towards strengthening women's political leadership. Looking forward to joining distinguished leaders, partners and the inaugural cohort as we launch the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in #Kigali .
#Africanwomenlead #PoliticalLeadership
#AAWPL2026

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

Thank you, H.E. @ymahmoudali , Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion, for this powerful message on Pan-African Women's Day and the 64th Anniversary of PAWO — and what a beautiful way to celebrate African women, honouring H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first democratically elected female President, our own patron of @AWLNetwork, the inaugural portrait in the AU's Gallery of African Women Leaders. 🇿🇦🌍

By honouring her today, we honour all African women, past and present, whose courage, vision and determination continue to shape Africa's destiny.

Read: https://t.co/rEk5VW14QI
#PanAfricanWomensDay #PAWO64 #AfricaWeWant

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

📍 Abuja — Le Forum de haut niveau sur le leadership politique des femmes en Afrique de l'Ouest a réuni des dirigeantes, décideurs et partenaires autour d'un objectif commun : accélérer la participation et le leadership politiques des femmes.

Mon discours d'ouverture a été prononcé en mon nom par Mme Marie Louise Mwange, Co-Présidente mondiale de AWLN. Dans son allocution, elle a rappelé que la question n'est plus de savoir si les femmes peuvent diriger; l'Afrique a déjà répondu. Le véritable défi est de bâtir des systèmes politiques qui permettent aux femmes de participer pleinement, d'influencer les décisions et d'accéder aux plus hautes responsabilités.

Elle a également mis en lumière l'engagement de AWLN en faveur de réformes institutionnelles concrètes, du renforcement des capacités des femmes leaders et du lancement prochain de l'Académie africaine du leadership féminin, destin��e à préparer une nouvelle génération de dirigeantes africaines.

Les travaux du Forum ouvriront la voie à l'adoption de l'Agenda d'action régional d'Abuja, une feuille de route pour accélérer la réalisation de la Vision 2035 de la CEDEAO sur la parité. Plus que jamais, il est temps de passer des engagements à l'action.

#Femmesenpolitique
#Abuja2026
@MLMwange
@AWLN_RDC
@UNDPAfrica
@AWLNetwork

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

Deeply honoured today to accept the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa, from the University of Manchester. 🎓
I accept this not only in my own name, but on behalf of the countless African women and girls whose courage, resilience, and leadership have shaped my life's work — many of whom will never stand on a stage like this, yet have been my greatest teachers.
To the graduating Class of 2026: your degree is more than a certificate — it's an invitation to serve. Go into the world with knowledge in your minds, courage in your hearts, and humanity in all that you do.
Congratulations to all the graduates, and thank you to the University of Manchester for this extraordinary honour. 🙏
#UniversityOfManchester #HonoraryDegree #ClassOf2026 #WomenInLeadership #FemmesAfricaSolidarité
@Fasngo @AWLNetwork @GimacNetwork

[Gimac Youth Network @GimacYouth]

Congratulations @BinetaDOfficial . You are a true inspiration for young women across Africa.

[Bineta Diop @BinetaDOfficial]

Deeply honoured today to accept the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa, from the University of Manchester. 🎓
I accept this not only in my own name, but on behalf of the countless African women and girls whose courage, resilience, and leadership have shaped my life's work — many of whom will never stand on a stage like this, yet have been my greatest teachers.
To the graduating Class of 2026: your degree is more than a certificate — it's an invitation to serve. Go into the world with knowledge in your minds, courage in your hearts, and humanity in all that you do.
Congratulations to all the graduates, and thank you to the University of Manchester for this extraordinary honour. 🙏
#UniversityOfManchester #HonoraryDegree #ClassOf2026 #WomenInLeadership #FemmesAfricaSolidarité

[AWLNetwork @AWLNetwork]

🚨 Applications are now OPEN!

Are you a young African woman leader driving change in your community or sector? Join the AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat #IGR8 in Libreville, Gabon, this December for knowledge sharing, peer learning, and meaningful connections with inspiring women leaders from across Africa and the Diaspora.

📍 Libreville, Gabon
🗓️ Application Deadline: 3 August 2026
🔗 Apply now: https://t.co/IJrZJpuKoS

Join a community of women leaders shaping Africa's future!

#AWLNIGR2026 #AfricanWomenLeaders #YouthLeadership #WomenLead #KnowledgeSharing #Leadership #Gabon

[Africa Leadership Foundation @alf_NGR]

📢 Applications are still open! 🌍

Are you a young advocate passionate about ending violence against women and girls in Africa?

Join the Youth Capacity Building Programme for AU-CEVAWG Advocacy, hosted by @alf_NGR & the @GimacYouth Network.

🗓️ Deadline: 13 July 2026
Apply via the link! 🔗 https://t.co/auVTutivS0
📍 Preference: Ethiopia, Uganda, Togo, & Senegal.

#AUCEVAWG #YouthLeadership #GenderEquality #EndVAWG #GIMAC #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant

[My People and Culture Association @mpc_ug]

The Maputo Protocol at 23: Uganda’s Gains, Africa’s Gaps

On 11 July 2003, the African Union adopted the Maputo Protocol in Mozambique. Twenty‑three years later, it remains Africa’s most powerful instrument for women’s rights.
Ratified by 46 of 55 AU member states, it is both a beacon of progress and a mirror exposing unfinished business.

Uganda ratified the Protocol in 2010 and its presence has reshaped the landscape.
The outlawing of female genital mutilation in 2010 was a direct alignment with the Protocol’s demand to eliminate harmful practices.
Access to family planning and maternal health services has expanded, though abortion remains tightly restricted.
Women now hold 34% of parliamentary seats, a leap from the early 2000s.
Savings groups and financial literacy programs have flourished, giving women grassroots economic power.
Faith leaders increasingly engage in gender advocacy, though tensions remain between progressive interpretations and conservative traditions.

Uganda’s progress is not only the work of government.
Civil society organizations and NGOs have been the driving force behind implementation.
@FIDA_Uganda @amwaafrika @wougnet @IST_Uganda @IriseEastAfrica @FAWEUganda @uwonet and many more have pushed for legal reforms, built mentorship programs and created safe spaces for women and girls.

At the continental level, the Gender Is My Agenda Campaign Network @GIMAC has been pivotal.
For over two decades, GIMAC has mobilized women’s voices across Africa, monitoring AU commitments and ensuring the Maputo Protocol remains a living instrument rather than a forgotten document.
By linking grassroots realities to policy spaces, GIMAC has amplified the demands of women and girls, holding governments accountable to their promises.
Without these actors, the Protocol risks being a paper promise. Their work makes rights real in everyday lives.

Where the Protocol is present in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda women’s political representation has grown, legal protections against violence have strengthened and economic empowerment has expanded.
And Where it is absent in Sudan, Somalia, Egypt, Morocco and others women remain vulnerable to discriminatory laws and harmful practices.
Without ratification, activists lack a continental legal backbone to demand accountability.

The Protocol challenges harmful traditions like child marriage and FGM, while affirming African values of dignity and justice.
It pushes for equal access to employment, land and credit reshaping economies from Kampala’s informal markets to Lagos’ boardrooms.
Women’s voices are rising in parliaments and local councils, reshaping governance across ratifying states.

Faith communities are both allies and challengers some embrace gender justice, others resist reforms on reproductive rights.

Where the Protocol is not ratified, women remain trapped in cycles of silence and exclusion.
Harmful practices persist unchecked and reforms stall without continental accountability. The absence of the Protocol is not neutral it is costly, in lives, dignity and futures.

Civil society and networks like GIMAC have carried the torch but governments must act with urgency:Ratify the Protocol in the remaining AU states.
Fully implement commitments not just on paper, but in schools, courts, workplaces and communities.
Partner with NGOs and grassroots movements to ensure reforms reach the most vulnerable.
Invest in monitoring and accountability mechanisms so women’s rights are not negotiable.

The Maputo Protocol is 23 years old. Uganda has made strides but challenges remain.
Across Africa, its presence has opened doors while its absence has left women behind.

The question is not only what governments have done but what you 🫵have done.
Have you challenged harmful norms?
Have you stood for dignity and justice in your community?
The Protocol is 23.
What about your own journey?
#MaputoAt23
@_AfricanUnion
@AU_WGYD

[Gimac Youth Network @GimacYouth]

💬 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙠, 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧

How can young women advance climate justice through water advocacy? Learn why climate justice and gender justice must move forward together.

#AskTheExpert #16GIMACYOUTH #ClimateJustice #GenderJustice

[Gimac Youth Network @GimacYouth]

💬𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙠, 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧

How can young people hold governments accountable for water commitments? Learn how evidence, monitoring, and citizen engagement can drive action.

#AskTheExpert #16GIMACYOUTH #Accountability

[GIMAC Network @GimacNetwork]

📢 📢 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 |𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

The 8th GIMAC CSO–RECs Strategic Meeting, scheduled for 18–20 June 2026 in New Alamein, Egypt, has been postponed.
🗓️ New dates will be communicated in due course.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
#8GIMACRECs #WaterJustice #GenderEquality
.
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La 8ème Réunion stratégique du GIMAC OSC–CERs, prévue du 18 au 20 juin 2026 à New Alamein, Égypte, est reportée.
🗓️ Les nouvelles dates seront communiquées ultérieurement.
Merci de votre compréhension et de votre soutien continu.
#8GIMACCERs #JusticeDeLEau #ÉgalitéDesGenres

[Gimac Youth Network @GimacYouth]

💬𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙠, 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧
How can youth influence water governance and policy implementation? Learn why participation, representation, and leadership matter in shaping water futures.

#AskTheExpert #16GIMACYOUTH #WaterLeadership