NEW YORK, USA - A Zimbabwean youth leader representing the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has called on African Union (AU) member states to urgently ratify the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) to ensure the safety of women and girls across Africa.
Speaking at a side event during the ongoing 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York on Monday, councillor Chioniso Michelle Murinda acknowledged the role of AWLN in nurturing young female leaders across the continent.
“Since 2017, AWLN has been a transformative platform for us young women across Africa, providing us with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to engage in leadership and advocacy for gender equality across sectors,” said Murinda, a councillor at Chegutu Rural District Council.
Murinda praised the intergenerational co-leadership model adopted by AWLN.
She said it had enabled young women to assume leadership roles not in the distant future, but in the present.
“We are leaders now and not in the future,” Murinda stressed.
She noted that AWLN youth were serving in critical positions such as Members of Parliament, ministers and councillors.
“You have not discriminated against us based on age, but you have embraced us and continue to show us the ropes.
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“On behalf of all young women, thank you,” she added.
One of AWLN’s flagship initiatives, the Intergenerational Retreat (IGR), also received special mention.
Murinda announced that Zimbabwe will host the next IGR this year, thereby providing a space for young and seasoned women leaders to share knowledge, ideas and experiences.
“The upcoming 2025 IGR will continue to strengthen this intergenerational dialogue, fostering deeper connections and commitments to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment across the continent,” she noted.
As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), Murinda reiterated AWLN Youth’s commitment to pushing for the ratification of the EVAWG Convention.
She saluted AWLN leaders, elders, the Circle of Champions, and the group of friends who continue to support AWLN Youth technically and financially. She also recognized the role of embassies, missions, the UN family, UN Women, the African Union, and respective governments in promoting women’s leadership and empowerment.
“Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl live free from violence and discrimination,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa called for the operationalisation of the AU Convention on EVAWG.
She also challenged African women leaders to take the lead in driving advocacy, legislative reforms, and partnerships.
Mutsvangwa commended the African Women Leaders Forum for pushing the convention forward.
“I want to acknowledge the significant contributions of the African Women Leaders Forum for the critical role you played in bringing this landmark convention to fruition,” she said.
She said that the convention was timely as Africa re-commits to accelerating the achievement of the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action.
“Indeed, as African women leaders, we hold the responsibility to champion the operationalisation of the African Union Convention on EVAWG,” she stated.
Mutsvangwa outlined key interventions necessary for the full implementation of the convention.
These include strengthening advocacy and awareness campaigns, promoting legislative reforms, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, and enhancing media involvement.
She underscored the importance of establishing coalitions, mobilising political will, and engaging male allies in advancing the movement.
“As Zimbabwe, we are excited that we are going to be hosting the AWLN Intergenerational Dialogue Retreat in August or early September this year,” Mutsvangwa said.
She added: “This retreat represents an opportunity to maximise mentoring, networking, and strengthening our advocacy for the ratification and implementation of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls.”
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda the deputy executive director of UN Women, Sadc Parliamentary Forum secretary-general Boemo Sekgoma, Sadc PF’s Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus chairperson Shally Raymond from Tanzania and Zimbabwe’s Senate president Mabel Chinomona were among the delegates to the side event.
