Outcome AUL_D_1.2

Civil society and women’s voices and leadership influence progress on the gender equality and women’s empowerment at the continental level by 2026

AWLN: Through the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), women’s voices and leadership influence on gender equality and women’s empowerment have been strengthened at the continental level by the establishment of women led initiatives or the presence of African women and girls’ voices in continental GEWE events/activities such as: The launches of (3) National Chapters of AWLN. The launches took place in Rwanda, Gambia and Equatorial Guinea. A continental virtual forum by AWLN where women leaders from East, West, Central, South and North Africa and all sectors of society in solidarity promoted peace and good governance for the women affected by conflict in the Sahel Region. The virtual consultation enhanced the importance of women’s contribution to resolving the crises in the Sahel region, highlighting the role of African women in decision making process in conflict and post-conflict societies. The event resulted in increased awareness on women’s leadership and network in the Sahel region, promising practices and opportunities from across Africa shared, and recommendations and commitment for strengthening collaborations to scale up actions for women’s leadership and participation in the Sahel region. The participation of AWLN Members in the Women Leaders Consultation in Comoros. To bring recommendations ahead of the 3 rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity. The participation of AWLN Members in the 3 rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity. To ensure women leaders voices in the outcomes of PM. UN Women AULO contributed to the launches by providing technical and financial support and guidance to the focal persons, as well as participated in-person to support the launch of AWLN Gambia on the ground. On the virtual forum UN Women AULO contributed with planning and conceptualization, communication to raise awareness of the event, invitees to panelists and participants, interpretation, minute taking as well as hosting the virtual forum. For the Women leaders consultation leading up to the 3 rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, UN Women supported the participation of 6 Women leaders with costs related to their participation. The launch of AWLN Gambia press release, The Concept Note for the Virtual Forum and the documents for Women Leaders Consultation and Positive Masculinity are attached.

Civil society and women’s voices and leadership influence progress on the gender equality and women’s empowerment at the continental level by 2026

During the reporting year, significant progresses were made in empowering young girls and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Africa. their voices amplified through a dedicated platform to share concerns and recommendations on the development of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) involving 15 African countries. On the other hand, the AGCCI program provided digital skills training to girls in ten countries, with 369 trained in ICT and entrepreneurship and 437 completing advanced certifications. Workshops enhanced digital literacy for women entrepreneurs, while young coders showcased their skills at STEM conferences. Simultaneously, CSOs' capacity was strengthened through platforms to influence the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), with 15 countries engaged in refining recommendations and strategies. UN Women further supported CSO collaboration in AU processes, enhancing their role in promoting gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.