In mid April, UN Women and partners in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC), conducted a two-day gender sensitization training to prevent violence against women in elections. The training held in Ganta, brought together over 60 participants, including members of the Liberia National Police, local security institutions, representatives from the Project Accountable Safe Space Women’s Accountability Room (PASSWAR) across various magisterial areas, by-election monitors, and civil society actors.

There are many reasons to stay committed and with determination to push forward for all women and girls rights and to keep championing for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. One such reason was this year’s Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development where over 1800 political leaders, technical experts, and stakeholders convened to discuss the session’s theme: "Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063"

In Muhokya Town Council, Kasese district, 18-year-old Judith Kyomugisha and 20-year-old Jennifer Nakayemba are challenging gender norms by working on construction sites—an uncommon sight for women in their community. Both young women found a new path through a skilling initiative supported by UN Women and funded by the Government of Norway, implemented by Refugee Law Project. The programme equips young women and girls with practical skills to reduce vulnerability to violent extremism and provide economic independence.

Namweugo Stephania, a 58-year-old woman from Kisolo village in Isingiro district, is raising her abandoned twin grandchildren after her daughter fled an abusive home. Seeking support, she visited the Women’s Safe Space in Oruchinga refugee settlement, where she accessed counselling, legal aid, and emergency cash assistance through a project funded by UNOCHA’s CERF. With 70,000 Ugandan Shillings in support, Stephania was able to buy food and start a small banana business. She continues to receive financial literacy training and legal assistance to help trace her daughter and rebuild her family’s future. UN Women’s support through the Safe Space has empowered Stephania to care for her grandchildren and pursue justice and stability.

Rita, a Women Council Leader from Masuliita Sub-County, once struggled with the challenges of leadership, lacking training, mentorship, and support. This changed in July 2024 when she joined a capacity-building training organized by Paradigm for Social Justice and Development, with funding from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and technical support from UN Women. The training equipped her with vital skills in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and leadership.

On March 8, 2025, UN Women Uganda commemorated International Women's Day with nationwide events and activities. The national celebrations were held at Bukwiri, Church of Uganda Primary School, Kyankwanzi district, under the theme "Accelerate Action for Gender Equality," emphasizing the need for strategic interventions toward a gender-equal future.

Swedish delegation led by Ulrika Brobäck visited women fish farmers in Bugiri District, Uganda, to recognize their efforts in advancing economic empowerment and contributing to the country’s blue economy. Organized in partnership with UN Women Uganda, the visit showcased the positive impact of empowering women through skills training, financial inclusion, and market access. The delegation commended the women for their resilience and emphasized Sweden’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development. The visit also reinforced the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting women's participation in fisheries, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 14 (life below water).

This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

New York / Port Sudan – Sudanese women and girls are bearing the brunt of a crisis that is entering its third year on April 15. Facing acute food insecurity, alarming rates of gender-based violence, and limited access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, they comprise most of the 12 million displaced people inside and outside the country.

As the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) concluded at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (March 10–21, 2025), the Generation Equality initiative continues to show its key role in accelerating gender equality worldwide, through the impactful work of its Commitment Makers in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, and through the active participation of young women in shaping the future for all women and girls.

In Liberia, traditional leader Massa Kandakai replaced harmful FGM practices with education and empowerment by founding the Sonkay Town Vocational and Heritage Center. Supported by the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative, the center offers alternative livelihoods and education to women and girls, contributing to a national shift away from FGM. Celebrated by international partners, the initiative showcases how cultural transformation and women’s empowerment can go hand in hand.

Promoting the equal representation and effective participation of women in leadership and decision-making positions in Ethiopia has been one of the priorities of UN Women in Ethiopia since 2017. From leadership capacity building to transforming social norms to create a conducive environment for women to climb the leadership ladder, UN Women Ethiopia has been spear heading the effort to empower Ethiopian women to lead and take part in decisions that matter in their life.

Abeba Bunti, 39, lives in Legetafo town, in the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Raised by a single mother who struggled to just make ends meet, Abeba used to help in labor-intensive domestic work after school. When she reached 9th grade, she dropped out of school and got married since the household’s meager income wasn’t enough for her and two siblings. “I was a homemaker, as a driver, my husband’s income wasn’t sufficient. Having our first child was a blessing but added a burden to our economic status. Despite trying to do some work outside home as house helper and a waitress, life was difficult for me for over twenty years.” She said.

Running for political office at the local or national level is no small feat for any candidate, but for women politicians, the road is paved with even more barriers than for men. On 26 November 2024, International IDEA, in collaboration with UN Women, convened under the WYDE Women’s Leadership initiative a regional dialogue for women political leaders in East and Southern Africa on advancing transformative gender social norms to enhance women’s participation and representation in leadership and decision-making.

Students and experts from various sectors gathered to discuss men's roles in advancing gender equality. Speakers shared personal insights on masculinity, while diverse panelists engaged youth in candid conversations about preventing gender-based violence and cultivating male allies in the ongoing quest for gender equality.

Young participants from South African universities attended a skills-building workshop designed to introduce them to G20 processes and gender equality advocacy. The two-day event offered training on effective communication strategies and policy development, preparing youth to contribute to conversations about Africa's economic and social future.

In a significant step towards advancing gender equality, Zimbabwe hosted its first-ever Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting on 27 February 2025.

As the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) concludes at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (March 10-21, 2025), the Generation Equality initiative continues to show its key role in accelerating gender equality worldwide.

Nalafem Empowering Young African Women to Lead the Change Against Gender-Based Violence

Empowering Communities to end GBV: YES Trust’s Lasting Impact in Zimbabwe