Our commitment to excellence over the years:
In Focus: 15 years of UN Women in East and Southern Africa
A journey of resilience and advancing gender Equality and women empowerment
Date:
Fifteen years ago, UN Women was created with a bold mission: to become the United Nation’s powerhouse for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Rooted in the energy and vision of women’s movements and governments, shaped by the realities of our time, UN Women was born not just to exist – but to spark real and lasting change for all women and girls.
This year, we join the world in marking UN Women’s 15 years of impact as we reflect on the steps East and Southern Africa has made towards advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. With eleven Country offices and a regional office working hand in hand to amplify the voices of the women and women led organizations in the region, we remain committed and inspired to continue the work despite the challenges presented by the lived reality of women and girls in our region.
We recognize the great efforts and commitment of our partners as they support our efforts in pushing forward, governments working steadfastly to push for laws that promote gender equality and all the grassroot movements that amplify standing up for the rights of women and girls.
Moving with the tides and setting our sails for the next 15 years
African voices are merging with the world over to lend our voice to championing the rights of women and girls. It’s in the economic contributions and daring to lead in an environment that is yet to fully endorse women in political spaces. With 2 women presidents from our region and dozens of women legislators, we march forward with a strong belief that women’s voices must be represented in all spaces. We continue to push for girls in our region to access education as well as advocate for a violence free world for women and girls.
At UN Women, gender equality is not just what we do – it is who we are.
Powering the next 15 years for all women and girls.
A world where every woman and girl has equal rights, equal voice, and equal power is within reach. As we mark 15 years of UN Women’s impact, we are doubling down on our promise to never stop marching forward with women and girls.
We will never back down, we will never give up. (Donate)
ESARO
How Gender Data is Enabling Better Services for Gender-Based Violence Survivors – A Tale of Five Countries in East and...
UGANDA
Finding Sanctuary: Safe Spaces Empower Refugee Women to Heal and Thrive
BURUNDI
The Success Story of Tamura Oil – Burundi’s Red Gold
ETHIOPIA
UN Women’s integrated economic empowerment initiative enhances women’s economic growth and well-being
ETHIOPIA
From the Courtroom to Community Shelters: Maria Munir’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
ETHIOPIA
Rehabilitating Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
SUDAN
Beyond the Headlines: Sudan’s Women Journalists Speak Out amid Conflict and Silence
SUDAN
Safe spaces transform lives of displaced women in war torn Sudan
TANZANIA
For All Women and Girls: Lieutenant Colonel Getrude Ndenga on Her Role in Advancing Women’s Leadership in Peacekeeping
RWANDA
Girls who can code and break stereotypes: an interview with Natacha Sangwa
RWANDA
From struggling farmers to prosperous partners: How JP-RWEE transformed Monique and Theodate’s lives
RWANDA
Gisele Umutoni breaking stereotypes in mechanical engineering in Rwanda
RWANDA
For All Women and Girls: Claire Uwineza on unlocking women’s leadership through mentorship
SOMALIA
Resource Centre for Women Parliamentarians: A Boost for Women’s Political Participation in Somalia
SAMCO
Growing small businesses for greater impact: EntreprenHER in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa
MOZAMBIQUE
Women’s Leadership in Times of Crisis: Zura’s Story and the First Restaurant in Her Community
MOZAMBIQUE
Local Women Lead Peacebuilding and Recovery Efforts in Mozambique
KENYA
EVAW: Kenya’s national toll-free helpline 1195: A lifeline for gender-based violence survivors
KENYA
WPS: From Where I Stand: I am a role model in peace and security
KENYA
WEE: Bridging the gap: How Kenya’s National Care Policy can drive gender equality
KENYA
DG: Against all odds: Rebbeca’s fight for leadership and community change
Videos
KENYA
Women Leading the Change in Peace and Security
KENYA
Women’s Wave: Advancing Leadership and Equality in Kenya
KENYA
Equal Is Greater: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at 30
MALAWI
EVAW: Lasting Impact of the UN Women's Work in Malawi
MALAWI
GBG: Advancing Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality in Malawi
MALAWI
WEE: Empowering Women Economically Across Malawi
MALAWI
Humanitarian Action: Supporting Women in Crisis: UN Women’s Humanitarian Work in Malawi
Our most impactful outcomes from countries
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women received training in transformational leadership.
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women in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were trained in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
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local government officials were equipped with knowledge on gender-responsive governance.
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community members were engaged through dialogues challenging harmful gender norms, including on VAWP
Source: Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Economic Rights at Local Levels
Upcoming Events:
For All Women and Girls: UN Women @15
The East and Southern Africa commemoration is in partnership with Alliance Francais and Goethe Institut. The two-days activity is a medley of an artistic journey through seasons of our work to advance Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, alongside our partners. This commemoration has a series of activities leading up to the main occasion that shall be our opening ceremony as follows:
Tuesday 15th July 2025:
Narratives for Change: mid-morning event
Multi-stakeholder Partnerships for Equality and Empowerment: mid-morning
Opening ceremony: evening event
Wednesday 16th July 2025:
Towards a vibrant civil society: mid-morning event
Peace and prosperity: mid-morning event
Solutioning for the future: afternoon event
Closing ceremony: evening event