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Afrique

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La région Afrique de l'IPPF est à la recherche de personnes talentueuses pour soutenir son travail.

Dans le cadre de sa stratégie, le bureau régional africain de l'IPPF recrute pour plusieurs postes au Kenya et en Côte d'Ivoire.

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Lucien Kouakou_
news item

| 08 March 2017

IPPF Africa Regional Director's Message on International Women's Day 2017

Wednesday 8 March, 2017 By Mr. Lucien Kouakou, IPPF Africa Region Director Today, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD); a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. For many years, the role of women was confined to the periphery, where they were hardly recognized for their value and important contribution to society’s development. But times are changing, and women today are not only being acknowledged for their worth, but are also being encouraged to carve out their own identity as individuals; as women. This process of recognition has been gradual and has spanned over decades. Despite the gradual spate in acknowledging the contribution of women, the time has come for us to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and look forward to even more accomplishments. IPPFAR has been instrumental in this process, and we pride ourselves in being an organization that has always put women at the heart of our programmes. Our programmes are designed in a way that ensures that our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins have their reproductive health and rights concerns addressed in a timely, effective, affordable and sustained manner. Further, IPPFAR’s commitment to gender equality and respect of sexual rights is affirmed in the 2016 - 2022 Strategic Framework as an absolute principle that guides its actions. The Federation is driven by progressive statutory documents and supportive policies that guarantee a fair working environment and decision-making powers both for women and men. IPPF Africa Region continually endeavors to support Africa’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to addressing the various challenges and barriers they face in their journey to this achievement. Through various advocacy efforts, IPPFAR and its Member Associations are centrally involved in creating and championing supportive policy environments that are aimed at reducing the various health, social, economic, political and other inequalities that affect women and girls. We have been involved in several policy consultative processes in many African countries with respect to the improvement of women’s rights. As we honor all women today, I urge you all to seize all available opportunities that empower women in all spheres of their lives. Take it upon yourself to seek strategic partnerships with institutions that will support this quest. It is also our responsibility to encourage women to adapt to technological changes that are necessary for them to survive and thrive in today’s environment. I further encourage all of those in the IPPFAR network to increase their positive actions towards women. It essential and imperative to acknowledge and recognize the fact that women are fundamental to the achievement of Africa’s developmental goals as set out in the AU Agenda 2063. Let us continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of Africa’s women, and let us be #BeBoldForChange by standing by women today, promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices. I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Lucien Kouakou_
news_item

| 08 March 2017

IPPF Africa Regional Director's Message on International Women's Day 2017

Wednesday 8 March, 2017 By Mr. Lucien Kouakou, IPPF Africa Region Director Today, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD); a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. For many years, the role of women was confined to the periphery, where they were hardly recognized for their value and important contribution to society’s development. But times are changing, and women today are not only being acknowledged for their worth, but are also being encouraged to carve out their own identity as individuals; as women. This process of recognition has been gradual and has spanned over decades. Despite the gradual spate in acknowledging the contribution of women, the time has come for us to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and look forward to even more accomplishments. IPPFAR has been instrumental in this process, and we pride ourselves in being an organization that has always put women at the heart of our programmes. Our programmes are designed in a way that ensures that our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins have their reproductive health and rights concerns addressed in a timely, effective, affordable and sustained manner. Further, IPPFAR’s commitment to gender equality and respect of sexual rights is affirmed in the 2016 - 2022 Strategic Framework as an absolute principle that guides its actions. The Federation is driven by progressive statutory documents and supportive policies that guarantee a fair working environment and decision-making powers both for women and men. IPPF Africa Region continually endeavors to support Africa’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to addressing the various challenges and barriers they face in their journey to this achievement. Through various advocacy efforts, IPPFAR and its Member Associations are centrally involved in creating and championing supportive policy environments that are aimed at reducing the various health, social, economic, political and other inequalities that affect women and girls. We have been involved in several policy consultative processes in many African countries with respect to the improvement of women’s rights. As we honor all women today, I urge you all to seize all available opportunities that empower women in all spheres of their lives. Take it upon yourself to seek strategic partnerships with institutions that will support this quest. It is also our responsibility to encourage women to adapt to technological changes that are necessary for them to survive and thrive in today’s environment. I further encourage all of those in the IPPFAR network to increase their positive actions towards women. It essential and imperative to acknowledge and recognize the fact that women are fundamental to the achievement of Africa’s developmental goals as set out in the AU Agenda 2063. Let us continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of Africa’s women, and let us be #BeBoldForChange by standing by women today, promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices. I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Lucien Kouakou_
news item

| 08 February 2017

The "State of the African Woman Campaign" -Advocating for Women's Rights across the Continent

Monday 7 February 2017,  Nairobi, Kenya The IPPF Africa Region Director, Mr. Lucien Kouakou has today launched a kick-off meeting for a new project focusing on women’s rights. The "State of the African Woman” campaign aims to contribute to securing, realizing and extending women’s rights as enshrined in African Union policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union, the three-year advocacy, communication and awareness-raising campaign will be implemented by IPPF Africa Region as the lead beneficiary, with five organizations being co-beneficiaries, and two others as Associates. The campaign focuses on strengthening the civil society’s contribution to promote the implementation of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol) and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) at four decision-making levels across sub-Saharan Africa; continental, regional, national and sub-national levels. The ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to push for the implementation of policies is of greatly acknowledged across the continent. “This unique coalition of youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, feminist groups and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activists will work towards the implementation of the State of the African Woman campaign across Africa. The combined strengths of these implementing partners will create a more united and collaborative civil society voice on women’s rights, reaching large and diverse constituencies and amplifying their ability to leverage change on a higher scale,” said Mr. Kouakou, while addressing participants at the kick-off meeting taking place from 7 – 8 February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants are members of the project’s steering committee –all of whom are implementing partners. Even though there exists several continental and sub-regional agreements and policies in sub-Saharan Africa in which women’s rights are enshrined, slow progress with regard to implementation and realization of these rights have been noted. “The State of the African Woman Campaign seeks to convert policies on the protection of women’s rights into reality. The project firmly believes that norms and agenda-setting at policy level need to be accompanied by changes in social and religious norms. This campaign, which combines grassroots mobilization and political advocacy, enhances sustainability where changes in norms related to women’s rights at policy and societal levels lead to long-term systems changes, with direct impact on people’s lives. The campaign builds on partner’s experiences and ongoing advocacy programmes in the region,” he said. Mr. Kouakou expressed optimism about the project’s success, owing to the great implementation team involved. Also present in the kick-off meeting is Ms. Stephanie Truille-Baurens from the European Union, and the IPPF European Network Regional Director, Ms. Caroline Hickson, among others. Follow the State of the African Woman campaign via the hashtag #SoAW For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter

Lucien Kouakou_
news_item

| 07 February 2017

The "State of the African Woman Campaign" -Advocating for Women's Rights across the Continent

Monday 7 February 2017,  Nairobi, Kenya The IPPF Africa Region Director, Mr. Lucien Kouakou has today launched a kick-off meeting for a new project focusing on women’s rights. The "State of the African Woman” campaign aims to contribute to securing, realizing and extending women’s rights as enshrined in African Union policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union, the three-year advocacy, communication and awareness-raising campaign will be implemented by IPPF Africa Region as the lead beneficiary, with five organizations being co-beneficiaries, and two others as Associates. The campaign focuses on strengthening the civil society’s contribution to promote the implementation of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol) and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) at four decision-making levels across sub-Saharan Africa; continental, regional, national and sub-national levels. The ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to push for the implementation of policies is of greatly acknowledged across the continent. “This unique coalition of youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, feminist groups and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activists will work towards the implementation of the State of the African Woman campaign across Africa. The combined strengths of these implementing partners will create a more united and collaborative civil society voice on women’s rights, reaching large and diverse constituencies and amplifying their ability to leverage change on a higher scale,” said Mr. Kouakou, while addressing participants at the kick-off meeting taking place from 7 – 8 February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants are members of the project’s steering committee –all of whom are implementing partners. Even though there exists several continental and sub-regional agreements and policies in sub-Saharan Africa in which women’s rights are enshrined, slow progress with regard to implementation and realization of these rights have been noted. “The State of the African Woman Campaign seeks to convert policies on the protection of women’s rights into reality. The project firmly believes that norms and agenda-setting at policy level need to be accompanied by changes in social and religious norms. This campaign, which combines grassroots mobilization and political advocacy, enhances sustainability where changes in norms related to women’s rights at policy and societal levels lead to long-term systems changes, with direct impact on people’s lives. The campaign builds on partner’s experiences and ongoing advocacy programmes in the region,” he said. Mr. Kouakou expressed optimism about the project’s success, owing to the great implementation team involved. Also present in the kick-off meeting is Ms. Stephanie Truille-Baurens from the European Union, and the IPPF European Network Regional Director, Ms. Caroline Hickson, among others. Follow the State of the African Woman campaign via the hashtag #SoAW For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter

Emmy Otim Young Politicians in Africa
news item

| 26 January 2017

"Young People Should Not Be Comfortable With Their Uncomfortable Situation" -Emmy Otim

By Maryanne W. Waweru Wednesday 25 January 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia A young politician from the East African country of Uganda has challenged African youth to rise up from their slumber and claim their rightful spaces if they are to improve their livelihoods, and if the continent is to achieve gains in development. “The reality is that many African young people today face a myriad of challenges, such as high rates of poverty and employment, drug abuse, alcoholism, reckless sex and unplanned pregnancies among others. Many youth are merely surviving, and sleepwalking through life. This is a great setback towards our achievement of ‘the Africa we Want’. Young people, don’t be comfortable with the uncomfortable situations you find yourselves in. Take charge of your own and realize that the continent depends on your positive input,” said Emmy Otim, during a panel discussion at the 9th African Union gender pre-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a session titled: "Investing in Young People’s Political Engagement". The Africa Union theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” Representing Young Politicians in Africa, Mr. Otim further urged youth to deliberately engage in democratic processes and elect leaders who can help curate change and spur development in their countries. “Young people must take time to understand the electoral process and their civic responsibility of choosing a leader who understands the need for investing in the resource that is young people. They should use their right to vote, and vote in leaders who are progress oriented,” said Otim, while further urging them to desist from being used negatively by politicians. “Unfortunately, many African politicians take advantage of young people and use them to among others, intimidate their opponents and perpetrate acts of violence against them. In fact, it could be said that such politicians are the ones reaping from the demographic dividend as they are unfairly capitalizing on the resources that is youth. Others who may be taking advantage of young people and their vulnerable or unemployment status are child traffickers, rebel militia groups and the rising radical groups,” he said.   Mr. Otim encouraged young people to use their voices and effectively utilize the spaces they find themselves in to push their own development agenda. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of technology, which is now more available to them than in previous years. “Today’s African youth are the most educated, exposed, creative and dynamic. They have access to technology, which, if used appropriately, can help them improve their standards of living and help them live quality lives. The various social media platforms that many youth have access to nowadays should be used effectively, to benefit not only themselves and their immediate communities, but their countries and the continent at large,” he said. IPPF Africa Region works closely with young people through the Youth Action Movement (YAM), where it implements various projects in different countries that support the empowerment of young people, helping them realize their full potential. IPPFAR is committed to the goals of the African Union Commission theme for 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region.

Emmy Otim Young Politicians in Africa
news_item

| 25 January 2017

"Young People Should Not Be Comfortable With Their Uncomfortable Situation" -Emmy Otim

By Maryanne W. Waweru Wednesday 25 January 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia A young politician from the East African country of Uganda has challenged African youth to rise up from their slumber and claim their rightful spaces if they are to improve their livelihoods, and if the continent is to achieve gains in development. “The reality is that many African young people today face a myriad of challenges, such as high rates of poverty and employment, drug abuse, alcoholism, reckless sex and unplanned pregnancies among others. Many youth are merely surviving, and sleepwalking through life. This is a great setback towards our achievement of ‘the Africa we Want’. Young people, don’t be comfortable with the uncomfortable situations you find yourselves in. Take charge of your own and realize that the continent depends on your positive input,” said Emmy Otim, during a panel discussion at the 9th African Union gender pre-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a session titled: "Investing in Young People’s Political Engagement". The Africa Union theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” Representing Young Politicians in Africa, Mr. Otim further urged youth to deliberately engage in democratic processes and elect leaders who can help curate change and spur development in their countries. “Young people must take time to understand the electoral process and their civic responsibility of choosing a leader who understands the need for investing in the resource that is young people. They should use their right to vote, and vote in leaders who are progress oriented,” said Otim, while further urging them to desist from being used negatively by politicians. “Unfortunately, many African politicians take advantage of young people and use them to among others, intimidate their opponents and perpetrate acts of violence against them. In fact, it could be said that such politicians are the ones reaping from the demographic dividend as they are unfairly capitalizing on the resources that is youth. Others who may be taking advantage of young people and their vulnerable or unemployment status are child traffickers, rebel militia groups and the rising radical groups,” he said.   Mr. Otim encouraged young people to use their voices and effectively utilize the spaces they find themselves in to push their own development agenda. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of technology, which is now more available to them than in previous years. “Today’s African youth are the most educated, exposed, creative and dynamic. They have access to technology, which, if used appropriately, can help them improve their standards of living and help them live quality lives. The various social media platforms that many youth have access to nowadays should be used effectively, to benefit not only themselves and their immediate communities, but their countries and the continent at large,” he said. IPPF Africa Region works closely with young people through the Youth Action Movement (YAM), where it implements various projects in different countries that support the empowerment of young people, helping them realize their full potential. IPPFAR is committed to the goals of the African Union Commission theme for 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region.

Lucien Kouakou_
news item

| 08 March 2017

IPPF Africa Regional Director's Message on International Women's Day 2017

Wednesday 8 March, 2017 By Mr. Lucien Kouakou, IPPF Africa Region Director Today, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD); a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. For many years, the role of women was confined to the periphery, where they were hardly recognized for their value and important contribution to society’s development. But times are changing, and women today are not only being acknowledged for their worth, but are also being encouraged to carve out their own identity as individuals; as women. This process of recognition has been gradual and has spanned over decades. Despite the gradual spate in acknowledging the contribution of women, the time has come for us to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and look forward to even more accomplishments. IPPFAR has been instrumental in this process, and we pride ourselves in being an organization that has always put women at the heart of our programmes. Our programmes are designed in a way that ensures that our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins have their reproductive health and rights concerns addressed in a timely, effective, affordable and sustained manner. Further, IPPFAR’s commitment to gender equality and respect of sexual rights is affirmed in the 2016 - 2022 Strategic Framework as an absolute principle that guides its actions. The Federation is driven by progressive statutory documents and supportive policies that guarantee a fair working environment and decision-making powers both for women and men. IPPF Africa Region continually endeavors to support Africa’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to addressing the various challenges and barriers they face in their journey to this achievement. Through various advocacy efforts, IPPFAR and its Member Associations are centrally involved in creating and championing supportive policy environments that are aimed at reducing the various health, social, economic, political and other inequalities that affect women and girls. We have been involved in several policy consultative processes in many African countries with respect to the improvement of women’s rights. As we honor all women today, I urge you all to seize all available opportunities that empower women in all spheres of their lives. Take it upon yourself to seek strategic partnerships with institutions that will support this quest. It is also our responsibility to encourage women to adapt to technological changes that are necessary for them to survive and thrive in today’s environment. I further encourage all of those in the IPPFAR network to increase their positive actions towards women. It essential and imperative to acknowledge and recognize the fact that women are fundamental to the achievement of Africa’s developmental goals as set out in the AU Agenda 2063. Let us continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of Africa’s women, and let us be #BeBoldForChange by standing by women today, promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices. I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Lucien Kouakou_
news_item

| 08 March 2017

IPPF Africa Regional Director's Message on International Women's Day 2017

Wednesday 8 March, 2017 By Mr. Lucien Kouakou, IPPF Africa Region Director Today, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD); a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. For many years, the role of women was confined to the periphery, where they were hardly recognized for their value and important contribution to society’s development. But times are changing, and women today are not only being acknowledged for their worth, but are also being encouraged to carve out their own identity as individuals; as women. This process of recognition has been gradual and has spanned over decades. Despite the gradual spate in acknowledging the contribution of women, the time has come for us to celebrate the achievements that have been made, and look forward to even more accomplishments. IPPFAR has been instrumental in this process, and we pride ourselves in being an organization that has always put women at the heart of our programmes. Our programmes are designed in a way that ensures that our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins have their reproductive health and rights concerns addressed in a timely, effective, affordable and sustained manner. Further, IPPFAR’s commitment to gender equality and respect of sexual rights is affirmed in the 2016 - 2022 Strategic Framework as an absolute principle that guides its actions. The Federation is driven by progressive statutory documents and supportive policies that guarantee a fair working environment and decision-making powers both for women and men. IPPF Africa Region continually endeavors to support Africa’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to addressing the various challenges and barriers they face in their journey to this achievement. Through various advocacy efforts, IPPFAR and its Member Associations are centrally involved in creating and championing supportive policy environments that are aimed at reducing the various health, social, economic, political and other inequalities that affect women and girls. We have been involved in several policy consultative processes in many African countries with respect to the improvement of women’s rights. As we honor all women today, I urge you all to seize all available opportunities that empower women in all spheres of their lives. Take it upon yourself to seek strategic partnerships with institutions that will support this quest. It is also our responsibility to encourage women to adapt to technological changes that are necessary for them to survive and thrive in today’s environment. I further encourage all of those in the IPPFAR network to increase their positive actions towards women. It essential and imperative to acknowledge and recognize the fact that women are fundamental to the achievement of Africa’s developmental goals as set out in the AU Agenda 2063. Let us continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of Africa’s women, and let us be #BeBoldForChange by standing by women today, promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices. I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Lucien Kouakou_
news item

| 08 February 2017

The "State of the African Woman Campaign" -Advocating for Women's Rights across the Continent

Monday 7 February 2017,  Nairobi, Kenya The IPPF Africa Region Director, Mr. Lucien Kouakou has today launched a kick-off meeting for a new project focusing on women’s rights. The "State of the African Woman” campaign aims to contribute to securing, realizing and extending women’s rights as enshrined in African Union policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union, the three-year advocacy, communication and awareness-raising campaign will be implemented by IPPF Africa Region as the lead beneficiary, with five organizations being co-beneficiaries, and two others as Associates. The campaign focuses on strengthening the civil society’s contribution to promote the implementation of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol) and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) at four decision-making levels across sub-Saharan Africa; continental, regional, national and sub-national levels. The ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to push for the implementation of policies is of greatly acknowledged across the continent. “This unique coalition of youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, feminist groups and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activists will work towards the implementation of the State of the African Woman campaign across Africa. The combined strengths of these implementing partners will create a more united and collaborative civil society voice on women’s rights, reaching large and diverse constituencies and amplifying their ability to leverage change on a higher scale,” said Mr. Kouakou, while addressing participants at the kick-off meeting taking place from 7 – 8 February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants are members of the project’s steering committee –all of whom are implementing partners. Even though there exists several continental and sub-regional agreements and policies in sub-Saharan Africa in which women’s rights are enshrined, slow progress with regard to implementation and realization of these rights have been noted. “The State of the African Woman Campaign seeks to convert policies on the protection of women’s rights into reality. The project firmly believes that norms and agenda-setting at policy level need to be accompanied by changes in social and religious norms. This campaign, which combines grassroots mobilization and political advocacy, enhances sustainability where changes in norms related to women’s rights at policy and societal levels lead to long-term systems changes, with direct impact on people’s lives. The campaign builds on partner’s experiences and ongoing advocacy programmes in the region,” he said. Mr. Kouakou expressed optimism about the project’s success, owing to the great implementation team involved. Also present in the kick-off meeting is Ms. Stephanie Truille-Baurens from the European Union, and the IPPF European Network Regional Director, Ms. Caroline Hickson, among others. Follow the State of the African Woman campaign via the hashtag #SoAW For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter

Lucien Kouakou_
news_item

| 07 February 2017

The "State of the African Woman Campaign" -Advocating for Women's Rights across the Continent

Monday 7 February 2017,  Nairobi, Kenya The IPPF Africa Region Director, Mr. Lucien Kouakou has today launched a kick-off meeting for a new project focusing on women’s rights. The "State of the African Woman” campaign aims to contribute to securing, realizing and extending women’s rights as enshrined in African Union policies in sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the European Union, the three-year advocacy, communication and awareness-raising campaign will be implemented by IPPF Africa Region as the lead beneficiary, with five organizations being co-beneficiaries, and two others as Associates. The campaign focuses on strengthening the civil society’s contribution to promote the implementation of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women (Maputo Protocol) and the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) at four decision-making levels across sub-Saharan Africa; continental, regional, national and sub-national levels. The ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to push for the implementation of policies is of greatly acknowledged across the continent. “This unique coalition of youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, feminist groups and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activists will work towards the implementation of the State of the African Woman campaign across Africa. The combined strengths of these implementing partners will create a more united and collaborative civil society voice on women’s rights, reaching large and diverse constituencies and amplifying their ability to leverage change on a higher scale,” said Mr. Kouakou, while addressing participants at the kick-off meeting taking place from 7 – 8 February 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants are members of the project’s steering committee –all of whom are implementing partners. Even though there exists several continental and sub-regional agreements and policies in sub-Saharan Africa in which women’s rights are enshrined, slow progress with regard to implementation and realization of these rights have been noted. “The State of the African Woman Campaign seeks to convert policies on the protection of women’s rights into reality. The project firmly believes that norms and agenda-setting at policy level need to be accompanied by changes in social and religious norms. This campaign, which combines grassroots mobilization and political advocacy, enhances sustainability where changes in norms related to women’s rights at policy and societal levels lead to long-term systems changes, with direct impact on people’s lives. The campaign builds on partner’s experiences and ongoing advocacy programmes in the region,” he said. Mr. Kouakou expressed optimism about the project’s success, owing to the great implementation team involved. Also present in the kick-off meeting is Ms. Stephanie Truille-Baurens from the European Union, and the IPPF European Network Regional Director, Ms. Caroline Hickson, among others. Follow the State of the African Woman campaign via the hashtag #SoAW For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter

Emmy Otim Young Politicians in Africa
news item

| 26 January 2017

"Young People Should Not Be Comfortable With Their Uncomfortable Situation" -Emmy Otim

By Maryanne W. Waweru Wednesday 25 January 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia A young politician from the East African country of Uganda has challenged African youth to rise up from their slumber and claim their rightful spaces if they are to improve their livelihoods, and if the continent is to achieve gains in development. “The reality is that many African young people today face a myriad of challenges, such as high rates of poverty and employment, drug abuse, alcoholism, reckless sex and unplanned pregnancies among others. Many youth are merely surviving, and sleepwalking through life. This is a great setback towards our achievement of ‘the Africa we Want’. Young people, don’t be comfortable with the uncomfortable situations you find yourselves in. Take charge of your own and realize that the continent depends on your positive input,” said Emmy Otim, during a panel discussion at the 9th African Union gender pre-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a session titled: "Investing in Young People’s Political Engagement". The Africa Union theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” Representing Young Politicians in Africa, Mr. Otim further urged youth to deliberately engage in democratic processes and elect leaders who can help curate change and spur development in their countries. “Young people must take time to understand the electoral process and their civic responsibility of choosing a leader who understands the need for investing in the resource that is young people. They should use their right to vote, and vote in leaders who are progress oriented,” said Otim, while further urging them to desist from being used negatively by politicians. “Unfortunately, many African politicians take advantage of young people and use them to among others, intimidate their opponents and perpetrate acts of violence against them. In fact, it could be said that such politicians are the ones reaping from the demographic dividend as they are unfairly capitalizing on the resources that is youth. Others who may be taking advantage of young people and their vulnerable or unemployment status are child traffickers, rebel militia groups and the rising radical groups,” he said.   Mr. Otim encouraged young people to use their voices and effectively utilize the spaces they find themselves in to push their own development agenda. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of technology, which is now more available to them than in previous years. “Today’s African youth are the most educated, exposed, creative and dynamic. They have access to technology, which, if used appropriately, can help them improve their standards of living and help them live quality lives. The various social media platforms that many youth have access to nowadays should be used effectively, to benefit not only themselves and their immediate communities, but their countries and the continent at large,” he said. IPPF Africa Region works closely with young people through the Youth Action Movement (YAM), where it implements various projects in different countries that support the empowerment of young people, helping them realize their full potential. IPPFAR is committed to the goals of the African Union Commission theme for 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region.

Emmy Otim Young Politicians in Africa
news_item

| 25 January 2017

"Young People Should Not Be Comfortable With Their Uncomfortable Situation" -Emmy Otim

By Maryanne W. Waweru Wednesday 25 January 2017, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia A young politician from the East African country of Uganda has challenged African youth to rise up from their slumber and claim their rightful spaces if they are to improve their livelihoods, and if the continent is to achieve gains in development. “The reality is that many African young people today face a myriad of challenges, such as high rates of poverty and employment, drug abuse, alcoholism, reckless sex and unplanned pregnancies among others. Many youth are merely surviving, and sleepwalking through life. This is a great setback towards our achievement of ‘the Africa we Want’. Young people, don’t be comfortable with the uncomfortable situations you find yourselves in. Take charge of your own and realize that the continent depends on your positive input,” said Emmy Otim, during a panel discussion at the 9th African Union gender pre-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a session titled: "Investing in Young People’s Political Engagement". The Africa Union theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” Representing Young Politicians in Africa, Mr. Otim further urged youth to deliberately engage in democratic processes and elect leaders who can help curate change and spur development in their countries. “Young people must take time to understand the electoral process and their civic responsibility of choosing a leader who understands the need for investing in the resource that is young people. They should use their right to vote, and vote in leaders who are progress oriented,” said Otim, while further urging them to desist from being used negatively by politicians. “Unfortunately, many African politicians take advantage of young people and use them to among others, intimidate their opponents and perpetrate acts of violence against them. In fact, it could be said that such politicians are the ones reaping from the demographic dividend as they are unfairly capitalizing on the resources that is youth. Others who may be taking advantage of young people and their vulnerable or unemployment status are child traffickers, rebel militia groups and the rising radical groups,” he said.   Mr. Otim encouraged young people to use their voices and effectively utilize the spaces they find themselves in to push their own development agenda. He particularly encouraged them to take advantage of technology, which is now more available to them than in previous years. “Today’s African youth are the most educated, exposed, creative and dynamic. They have access to technology, which, if used appropriately, can help them improve their standards of living and help them live quality lives. The various social media platforms that many youth have access to nowadays should be used effectively, to benefit not only themselves and their immediate communities, but their countries and the continent at large,” he said. IPPF Africa Region works closely with young people through the Youth Action Movement (YAM), where it implements various projects in different countries that support the empowerment of young people, helping them realize their full potential. IPPFAR is committed to the goals of the African Union Commission theme for 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, IPPF Africa Region.