On Saturday, 8th March 2025, the African Youth Capacity Commission, in collaboration with the African Women and Gender Commission under the umbrella of The Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), successfully hosted a powerful and insightful webinar to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day. The event brought together distinguished scholars, youth leaders, gender advocates, and intellectuals from across the continent to engage in a robust discussion on the theme:
“Accelerating Actions for Gender Equity in Africa.”
Held via Zoom at 4:30 PM WAT, the webinar served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective reflection on the urgent need to advance gender equity across African societies.
Keynote Reflections and Contributions
The session opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Effiong J. Udo, International President of TPADI, who emphasized that gender equity is not merely a women’s issue but a collective African imperative. He highlighted the importance of shifting from advocacy to actionable continental strategies that dismantle systemic barriers.
Panel Highlights
Agatha Nyesiga, Director of the African Youth Capacity Commission (Uganda), delivered a thought-provoking perspective on youth empowerment and the role of young women in shaping equitable social and economic systems. She stressed the need for creating safe, inclusive spaces for young girls to thrive.
Prof. Mary Nyangweso, Director of the African Women and Gender Commission (Kenya/USA), provided a deep analysis of cultural dynamics affecting gender parity. She underscored the value of African feminist scholarship and indigenous cultural frameworks in reshaping gender narratives.
Dr. Daniel Umoh of the University of Uyo, Nigeria, explored practical solutions for integrating gender equity into academic institutions, governance frameworks, and community development programs. His remarks highlighted education and policy reforms as catalysts for change.
Ven. Scholar Kiilu from St. Paul’s University, Limuru, Kenya, spoke powerfully on ethical leadership and the moral responsibility of African societies to protect women’s rights. She emphasized holistic approaches to dismantling gendered violence and discrimination.
Tinotenda Guhu, Secretary of the African Youth Capacity Commission (Zimbabwe), brought a youth-centered perspective to the conversation. She addressed structural challenges faced by young women, especially in leadership and political participation, urging African states to prioritize gender-responsive policies.
Moderation
The event was expertly moderated by Goodnews Akpan, Deputy Director of the African Youth Capacity Commission (Nigeria), whose coordination ensured a smooth, engaging, and interactive dialogue.
Themes and Insights That Emerged
Across all presentations, several central themes emerged:
1. Gender Equity Must Be Action-Driven
Speakers repeatedly stressed that Africa must move beyond awareness campaigns to adopt measurable strategies—legal reforms, economic empowerment, educational inclusion, and institutional accountability.
2. Cultural Transformation Is Key
Many contributors acknowledged that harmful cultural norms remain a major obstacle. Yet African indigenous knowledge systems, when understood correctly, can become instruments of liberation rather than oppression.
3. Youth Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable
With Africa being the youngest continent, sustainable gender equity cannot occur without equipping and mobilizing the continent’s youth—especially young women.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration Strengthens Impact
The synergy between academia, civil society, youth bodies, and Pan-African institutions emerged as a strong avenue for long-term progress.
Participant Engagement
The webinar attracted participants from across Africa and the diaspora, creating a vibrant multi-country dialogue. Attendees contributed questions, shared reflections, and expressed a strong desire for continuous platforms like this to accelerate the gender equity movement.
A Pan-African Commitment Moving Forward
The African Youth Capacity Commission and the African Women and Gender Commission reaffirm their dedication to driving transformative actions across communities, institutions, and nations. As Africa advances toward Agenda 2063, gender equity remains a foundational pillar for achieving the “Africa We Want.”
The success of this webinar is a reminder that a gender-just Africa is possible—but it requires collective resolve, continental solidarity, and intentional leadership.
Thank You
We extend our sincere appreciation to our speakers, moderators, participants, and partnering commissions. Your insights and engagement continue to strengthen the Pan-African struggle for justice, dignity, and inclusive development.
Together, we accelerate the journey toward a more equitable Africa.