My name is Teresa Mugadza. Coming from Zimbabwe, I currently serve as Kenya Country Manager at the International Development Law Organization (IDLO). As a dedicated Generation Equality Commitment Maker and Leader, I am deeply committed to driving meaningful change for women all over the world.

I am Generation Equality because… I believe in the power of inclusion, shared vision, and long-term commitment to change. My name is Thina Maphosa from Yes Trust Zimbabwe. Yes Trust is a youth-focused organization working to promote social change around issues of gender equality, sexual reproductive health and rights, youth participation in governance, and safe migration.

In Tanzania, despite significant strides achieved through robust legal frameworks and policies, one in three women and girls continue to face physical, sexual, or other forms of abuse. With support from UN Women, community volunteers are working with the Ministry of Gender in Zanzibar to strengthen coordinated efforts to promote women’s rights and address violence against women and children.

I am generation equality because… I strongly believe that grassroots women have the knowledge and strength to lead in climate action and inspire a more sustainable, just world.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November 2024, UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will launch the Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Female Intimate Partner/Family Member Homicides report with latest data on femicides, the intentional killing of women. Globally, a woman was killed every 10 minutes in 2023.

During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Generation Equality is celebrating commitment makers that are driving action to end gender-based violence. WiLDAF Tanzania, stands at the forefront of an inspiring journey to eradicate gender-based violence and empower women and girls nationwide.

I believe that every young woman has the power to shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. My name is Councilor Michelle Murinda, Government Official and Representative of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).

I am Generation Equality because… I believe in a world where every woman, girl, and person - regardless of gender - has equal opportunities and lives a dignified and safe life.

In 2024, Burundi’s youth are a powerful force for transformation, making up nearly 60% of the population. This young generation holds immense potential to shape the nation’s future through education, entrepreneurship, health initiatives and civic leadership.

I am Generation Equality because… I believe in a world where every young woman’s voice is heard, and her rights are protected. By championing youth-centered policies, I aim to create an inclusive future where young women can lead and thrive.

In partnership with UN Women, the Burundian Community of HIV Positive Women and Girls (CBF+) promotes community mobilization initiatives to foster positive social norms to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the involvement of men in supporting their wives during antenatal care (ANC), and in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS.

At just 31 years old, Beatrice Oyella is a beacon of hope for her community in Lajul Owiny village, Pajule Sub-County, Pader District in northern Uganda. A passionate community activist, she has made it her mission to tackle pressing issues affecting the lives of women and families in her area.

Happy Ham Salongo, 68, is a Community Based Volunteer in Kisubba Sub County, Bundibugyo district, southwestern Uganda. Happy was trained on human rights in 2021 by the Justice Centres Uganda, a UN Women implementing partner of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Programme. Topics included gender-based violence (GBV) and land disputes, among other issues affecting the communities.

Jane Rose Kabugho, a 43-year-old Catechist at Uganda Martyrs Kakone Parish in Kasese Diocese, western Uganda, endured years of physical and emotional abuse in her marriage. For this mother of four, the constant violence was devastating, but it ultimately became the catalyst for change.

In Mugwo Payam, Yei River County, this year’s heavy rainfall has washed away crops and spurred the growth of tall grasses on Winny's family farm, creating an extra hazard. As she prepares for the day ahead, Winny knows she must be cautious.

In Ethiopia, violence against women and girls continues to be a major challenge and a threat to women’s empowerment. Women and girls face physical, psychological and sexual abuse that undermines their health and ability to earn livelihoods, disrupts social systems and relationships, and robs girls of their childhoods and education. The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) reported that 23% of women have experienced physical violence, and 10% have faced sexual violence. The Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development, one of UN Women’s implementing partners, was established to advance women's social and economic development. It operates five safehouses in different regions of Ethiopia, and a new shelter is currently under construction to address the issue of insufficient space. UN Women Ethiopia continues to support such initiatives through its Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Programme, aiming to improve the availability and accessibility of quality services for women and girls.

Every 11 minutes, a woman was killed intentionally in 2022*. The numbers are rising. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent.

Bringing together over 3,000 young people from across Africa, the 7th edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, held in Kigali from November 8-11, 2024, marked a significant milestone in advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and innovation among key youth and other stakeholders on the continent. 20+ African ministers of youth, youth entrepreneurs, leaders, innovators, artists, and students converged in Kigali for the summit.

We reaffirm that African adolescent and youth are not adversaries of the state. African governments must recognize and embrace the significant role of adolescent and youth rights in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Nearly 30 years after Beijing, African youth in their diverse identities should not merely be guests but should have a seat at the decision-making table as equal partners.

With the support of the AU, for the first time in Africa’s history, 10 youth and 5 CSOs attended the Expert Group Meeting and Ministerial meetings for the Africa Beijing+30 and pre-CSW69 consultations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 1-6, 2024. Across the world, the Beijing +30 Reviews are occurring amidst global challenges like economic crises, security shocks, climate change, and persistent gender-based discrimination, impacting progress towards Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) goals.