Over the years, African women have expressed concern with the lack of inclusion of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and other global spaces as they continue to face barriers such as economic and immigration constraints as well as capacity restrictions. These challenges limit their representation, participation and voice in crucial spaces where they need to be heard.
Led by FEMNET, Africa Disrupt CSW is part of the efforts of African women to challenge CSW and emerged to respond to the continued shrinking space for feminist and civil society engagement at the annual CSW session in New York.
In 2022, FEMNET held the first Africa Disrupt CSW in Nairobi, Kenya. This decision was influenced by the increasing gaps in CSW, especially after the COVID 19 pandemic that deepened a concerning trend of closing of civic space, online and offline, at the country, regional and global levels, including the session of the CSW, that undermined our influence and jeopardized our work. FEMNET hosted over 100 women and girls from the 5 sub regions of Africa during the first week of CSW66. The main objective was to ensure that African women and girls were able to meaningfully participate and engage in the virtual CSW with minimal contextual interruptions occasioned by various challenges. Read more about The Nairobi Declaration.
In the spirit of inclusion and diversity, FEMNET hosted the second Africa Disrupt in Lilongwe, Malawi. This was to ensure that we rotate this crucial event that enables African girls and women to amplify their voices. The convening comprised of over 200 distinguished delegates (physically and virtually). The outcome of this convening was The Lilongwe Declaration which highlighted the reflections on the progress and the challenges on the technological gender divide; consolidated perspectives from localized contexts, and co-developed a common agenda and voice on advancing gender transformative policies and practices that are centred on safety, well-being, inclusivity affordability and sustainability. These deep conversations challenged the patriarchal and colonial underpinnings embedded in the design of digital technology.
Between the 20th and 22nd of February 2024, FEMNET convened civil society organisations for the third Africa Disrupt CSW68 in Yaoundé, Cameroon under the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Dignity of Women and Girls in Africa’. This was a space for African women and girls to reflect and delve into discussions surrounding poverty, financing and institutions. The event brought together women and girls from across the continent, including persons with disabilities, to foster a collective voice and dissect the harsh realities of poverty in a patriarchal world where their contributions are often overlooked. Africa Disrupt CSW serves as a platform to co-develop a concrete common position for African women and girls to inform the CSW68 agreed conclusions.
Insights from the gathering
“The young walk faster but the elders know the way.”
Whilst struggles have significantly changed over the years, the struggle of a woman’s place in the world is still the same. This event reminded us of the importance of intergenerational dialogue, urging us to draw from the past to navigate the present to map out a more equitable future for women and girls.
Why not borrow from those previous experiences to go even further in the fight for equal rights?
“Women are the face of poverty and African women hold the key to changing this picture.”
As we know, poverty comes in diverse forms, including factors like child marriage. During the event, we unpacked what poverty means, what it looks like and how we speak about it. It became evident that decision makers often discuss solutions in theory, leaving those who experience poverty often being excluded from shaping their own solutions. We need to address the systems that continue to perpetuate the marginalisation of women in poverty and find solutions that truly speak to their realities. This involves decolonising financial systems and adopting a feminist approach to confront the complex challenges of poverty.
Invest in institutions – no excuses, no delay!
It’s time to reimagine institutions and promote feminist economic systems that genuinely meet the needs of African women. Effectively addressing poverty starts with addressing colonial injustice, patriarchy, reforming the global financial architecture and investing in community, national and regional feminist and women’s rights institutions.
So what comes next after commitments?
It is important for us to enforce mechanisms that hold institutions accountable. Year in year out, commitments are made to promote gender equality but how can we monitor this progress? It is important for us to have tools that monitor, evaluate and report this progress. In addition to this, it is important to have legal frameworks and policies that are responsive to gender inequalities that safeguard women's rights and guarantee equal access to justice and decision-making processes across all levels.
Final reflections
This year’s theme for CSW is ‘Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective’ which resonates deeply with women in Africa. Africa Disrupt CSW68 facilitated a reflection on the unique challenges faced by African women and girls as they continue to address gender inequality.
Ultimately, it is important to drive the global agenda for change to include their voices which are often silenced. It remains crucial to persist in advocating for these spaces, fostering discussions and amplifying these essential voices. We hope to see more global spaces where prioritising equitable inclusion becomes a fundamental commitment.