Zimbabwean Delegation Honored for Advocacy at YWOA Convention

By Staff Reporter

The Young Women of Africa Annual Convention, which took place on December 11-12, 2024, at the African Union Headquarters, has indeed been a milestone for women’s empowerment across the continent. A key highlight of the event was the talented Zimbabwean delegation, which raised the flag high—Heather Hunda, Sibongile Sibanda, and award-winning Rosemary Togarepi, recognized for her outstanding advocacy in African trade and business.

The panel discussion that occurred on economic empowerment was moderated by Heather Hunda, the Young Women of Africa Continental Finance Secretary and Secretary for Women Affairs in the ZANU PF UK District Executive Council, and included a panel composed of Dr. Bethel Dereje from the Ethiopian Medical Women’s Association, Namibia-based international commercial lawyer Ndahafa Hapulile, and Sandra Murhola, a human rights activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Overcoming Systemic Obstacles
Hunda called for trade and financial inclusions as the twin imperatives in achieving economic equality for Africa during the discussion. “For systemic barriers, some of the things that shut out young women from important opportunities include lack of access to capital, markets, and financial literacy,” she said. Hunda urged that this calls for the creation of enabling trade policies and financial systems to respond to these challenges.

The panelists were, however, optimistic that the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) would avail young women with unprecedented opportunities to tap into regional and international markets. “For such opportunities to be harnessed, there is a need for capacity-building programs, access to credit, and promotion of women-led businesses,” Hunda added.

A Call for Inclusive Trade Policies
The discussion also praised the revolutionary protocol on Women and Youth in Trade but added that participants were concerned about low representation of women in key decision-making organs. “If women were seated at the decision-making table, these principles of the protocol would have been part of the AfCFTA’s Agreement in the first place,” noted Hunda.

To drive inclusive growth, the panel suggested a number of mechanisms:

1. Empower Women- and Youth-Led Businesses: Include quotas in public procurement policies to ensure a certain percentage of contracts are awarded to businesses led by women and youth.

2. Improve Access to Finance: Liaise with financial institutions to develop accessible microfinance schemes and low-interest loans

3. Make AfCFTA Inclusive: Have clear provisions for the inclusion of gender and youth within AfCFTA protocols through capacity building programs and mentorship for the young traders.

4. Financial Literacy Campaigns: Partner with NGOs and the private sector to provide complete training on financial literacy, trade regulations, and digital commerce to young women in rural and urban areas.

Importance of the Convention
The Annual Convention of Young Women of Africa thereby provides a critical avenue that will enhance the development of women’s empowerment through the sharing of experiences, dialogue, and networking by various young women leaders across the continent. By bringing together diverse voices, the convention encourages collaboration and innovation in tearing down all barriers to women’s contribution to economic activities.

But it is not just successes such as Hunda, Sibanda, and Togarepi that this event celebrates; it amplifies their voices for systemic change so that the challenges of young women are heard at the highest levels of governance and policymaking. The convention is important in shaping a future in which young women are able to thrive economically and socially through advocacy, education, and empowerment.

Notably, Sibongile Sibanda, the Young Women of Africa Continental Deputy Convenor, led a historic anti-gender-based violence (GBV) march around the AU Headquarters. This marked the first time activists have demonstrated within the AU compound, showcasing a powerful commitment to raising awareness about GBV and advocating for women’s rights.

Additionally, Rosemary Togarepi, the Young Women of Africa Country Leader, was honored with the Queen Nzinga Mbandi of Excellence award for her advocacy in African trade and business. This recognition underscores her dedication to empowering women and promoting inclusive economic policies.