Imagine a world where we women, the primary stakeholders in family health, are finally heard and represented at the highest levels of decision-making. That's the fight I've been leading since my election as an alternate member of the "Women, Girls and Children" Constituency Group of the Global Fund 's Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) in Burkina Faso.

The CCM, a crucial role but few women at the table

The CCM is a national committee that submits our country's funding requests to the Global Fund and ensures strategic monitoring of grants to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. A crucial role in which we women remain under-represented.

My active involvement in the CCM

It was to change this situation that I became involved, with the support of the Voix Essentielles program, which promotes female leadership. At the CCM, I don't just attend meetings. I'm actively involved in key processes, such as negotiations with the Global Fund's decision-making bodies.

As a member of the focal team, I'm working with my peers to acquire a new grant that will play a decisive role in strengthening our country's healthcare system and, above all, guaranteeing patients' access to care and essential medicines. It's a huge responsibility that I'm proud to take on as a young woman leader from a community-based organization. My commitment to this committee reflects my determination to bring the voice of women to bear on the strategic decisions that affect our lives.

The Voix Essentielles workshop in Abidjan, an inspiring experience

Last February, I was lucky enough to take part in a capacity-building and experience-sharing workshop organized by the Voix Essentielles initiative in Abidjan. For four days, I was nourished both humanly and intellectually by meeting other young women leaders from Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.

One of the highlights was the high-level event on "the importance of platforms, dialogue spaces and representation in the fight against gender-based violence and for the achievement of gender equality". I had the honor of participating as a panelist to share my experience with the CCM and my vision for strengthening women's leadership in these bodies.

Bringing women's specific concerns to bear at all levels

For beyond my presence on the CCM, which I hope will be inspiring, I am above all concerned to ensure that our specific concerns and needs are taken into account at all levels. We women are at both ends of the health chain. Our voice must be taken into account if we are to accelerate the control and elimination of the pandemics being combated by the Global Fund.

My expertise in the field, my mission and my vision

We, the young girls from the community, have our place in these bodies because we know the realities on the ground. We'll be able to bring the real problems to the right place, and even propose appropriate solutions.

Representing my community with dignity, making women's voices heard at the highest level, inspiring other young girls to take on responsibilities is the mission I've set myself. It's an immense task, but one that's vital if we are to achieve universal health coverage.

Building the future of pandemic control together

Meetings like the one in Abidjan reinforce my determination. Together, we, young women leaders, are paving the way for a new generation of activists committed to making gender equality and health for all a reality. What if this is the future of the fight against major pandemics? I want to believe it. With your support, anything is possible. Together, let's make women's voices heard!

Amanda Sawadogo

General Secretary of the Association Soutien aux enfants et femmes vulnérables

Member of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism

February 22, 2024, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - Public-private partnerships, multi-sector collaboration, self-esteem, gender-based violence, the intersection between gender and public health, and positive masculinity, all topics discussed at the event "The importance of platforms, spaces for dialogue and representation in the fight against gender-based violence and for the achievement of gender equality" organized as part of the Voix EssentiELLES initiative in Abidjan, on February 20, 2024. An initiative aimed at strengthening organizations led by women and girls, in all their diversity, by meaningfully engaging them in the decision-making processes and spaces that influence health policies and programs. Implemented by Speak Up Africa and co-financed by the Global Fund and the CHANEL Foundation, the initiative, launched in 2021, so far includes 39 community-based organizations in Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

We know that if we are to put an end to the diseases and scourges that affect our communities and economies, it is essential that policies aimed at tackling health problems take effective account of the gender issue by incorporating the experience and experiences of women and girls.

Professor Mamadou Samba, Côte d'Ivoire's Director General of Health, in his inaugural speech.

The event featured exchanges and panel discussions between Dr. Danielle Adjafi, President of the CCM (Country Coordination Mechanism) of Côte d'Ivoire, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, Ghislain Coulibaly, Sociologist and Director of Speak Up Africa. Danielle Adjafi, President of Côte d'Ivoire's CCM(Country Coordination Mechanism), Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, Ghislain Coulibaly, Sociologist and President of the Réseau des Hommes Engagés pour l'Égalité Femmes-Hommes en Côte d'Ivoire, Nene Fofana, Founder of Africa Forward Consulting Group, Aïssata Sidibé, Founder and CEO of Afrique Femme, Amanda Savadogo, General Secretary of the Association d'Appui aux Enfants et Femmes Vulnérables, Sylvie Diack, Coordinator of the Club des jeunes filles de Kolda and Aicha Ouédraogo of the Association Tends-moi la main.

Voix EssentiELLES embodies our commitment to amplifying the voices of women and girls in decision-making spaces. Their leadership is essential to shaping inclusive and equitable healthcare policies.

Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa at the first panel on "Leadership, representation and collaboration: The power of connectivity to accelerate gender equality and the health of women and girls in West Africa".

Women, who are at the heart of their communities, need to be included in decision-making bodies, as they are better placed to talk about local issues.

Amanda Savadogo, CCM member from Burkina Faso.

The Government of Canada is a strong supporter of the Global Fund and a champion of gender equality. In November 2022, on the occasion of the "16 Days of Activism" campaign, His Excellency Anderson Blanc, Canadian Ambassador to Côte d' Ivoire, and his team met with a team of Voix EssentiELLES from Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. Champion #LuiPourElle, he declared during his speech at the event:

Canada, through its feminist international aid policy, is deeply committed to the promotion of gender equality and actively supports the empowerment of women and girls. As such, we support the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, as Canada firmly believes that women and girls must be placed at the heart of decision-making processes, encouraging them in particular to contribute to the development of health policies and programs. Women have the right to speak. Let's hear their voice! For them, for the inclusive development and prosperity of their communities!

His Excellency Anderson Blanc, Ambassador of Canada to Côte d'Ivoire

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights challenges in the world today. One in three women is a victim of some form of physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender inequality, discrimination and harmful cultural and social norms that emphasize the superiority of men over women, normalize violence against women and allow perpetrators to act with impunity.

During the second panel on "Platforms, partners and coalitions working together to end gender-based violence in Côte d'Ivoire and Africa", Ghislain Coulibaly, Founding President of the Réseau des Hommes Engagés pour l'Égalité de Genre, also a sociologist and gender specialist, discussed positive masculinity as an alternative for reducing gender-based violence in Africa: " Positive masculinity is a new alternative for effectively reducing gender-based violence in Africa".

France, a Founding Member of the Global Fund, was represented by Ms Emmanuelle Espié, Regional Advisor for Global Health at the French Embassy in C'ôte d'Ivoire, who reaffirmed the country's commitment to global health, but also to women's health: " Supporting African women is fundamental to building resilient communities and promoting gender equality. We need to be aware of our realities and responsibilities ". At the previous Replenishment Conference in September 2022, France pledged 1.596 billion euros, a 23% increase on its previous contribution. This commitment testifies to the country's strong commitment to positioning global health as a priority of French development policy, which is also reflected in its recent global health strategy for 2023-2027.

Concluding the exchange session, Irad Gbazale, Voix EssentiELLES from Côte d'Ivoire, activist and President of the Agboville-based organization Femmes en Action, declared: " We must be ready and willing to take up the challenges and inspire change across Africa. Gender-based violence is a scourge for us all. Let's not be afraid to speak the truth. Shame must change sides.

When women and girls are empowered and supported to play a role in the decision-making process, truly effective health policies and programs that take into account gender differences and cultural sensitivities can be developed and implemented, drawing on the lived experience of women and girls. In this way, Voix EssentiELLES aims to strengthen women's leadership and support women and girls in their diversity, by investing in the capacities of grassroots organizations to improve health and equality.

February 22, 2024, Abidjan, Ivory Coast - Public-private partnerships, multisectoral collaboration, self-esteem, gender-based violence, the intersection between gender and public health, and positive masculinity were among the topics discussed at the event "The Importance of Platforms, Dialogue Spaces, and Representation in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence and for Achieving Gender Equality" organized as part of the Voix EssentiELLES initiative in Abidjan, on February 20, 2024. An initiative aimed at strengthening organizations led by women and girls, in all their diversity, by engaging them meaningfully in decision-making processes and spaces that influence health policies and programs. Implemented by Speak Up Africa and co-financed by the Global Fund and the CHANEL Foundation, the initiative, launched in 2021, now includes 39 community-based organizations in Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

We know that if we want to end the diseases and scourges affecting our communities and economies, it is essential that health policies effectively address gender issues by integrating the experiences and lived realities of women and girls.

Professor Mamadou Samba, Director General of Health of Ivory Coast during his opening speech

The event highlighted exchanges and panel discussions between Dr. Danielle Adjafi, President of the CCM (Country Coordination Mechanism) of Ivory Coast. Danielle Adjafi, President of the CCM (Country Coordination Mechanism) of Ivory Coast, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, Ghislain Coulibaly, Sociologist President of the Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality in Ivory Coast, Nene Fofana, Founder of Africa Forward Consulting Group, Aïssata Sidibé, Founder and CEO of Afrique Femme, Amanda Savadogo, General Secretary of the Support Association for Vulnerable Children and Women, Sylvie Diack, Coordinator of the Kolda Young Girls' Club, and Aicha Ouédraogo from the Association Tends-moi la main.

Voix EssentiELLES embodies our commitment to amplifying the voices of women and girls in decision-making spaces. Their leadership is essential to shaping inclusive and equitable health policies.

Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa during the first panel on "Leadership, Representation, and Collaboration: The Power of Connectivity to Accelerate Gender Equality and the Health of Women and Girls in West Africa."

Women, at the heart of their communities, must be integrated into decision-making spaces, as they are better able to speak about field issues.

Amanda Savadogo, a member of the CCM of Burkina Faso.

The Government of Canada is a staunch supporter of the Global Fund and a champion of gender equality. In November 2022, during the "16 Days of Activism" campaign, His Excellency Mr. Anderson Blanc, Ambassador of Canada to Ivory Coast, and his team met with a team of Voix EssentiELLES from Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. A #HeForShe champion, he stated during his speech at the event:

Canada, through its feminist international aid policy, is deeply committed to promoting gender equality and actively supports the empowerment of women and girls. As such, we support the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, because Canada firmly believes that women and girls must be at the heart of decision-making processes, encouraging them to contribute to the development of health policies and programs. Women have the right to speak up. Let's hear their voices! For them, for inclusive development, and the prosperity of their communities!

His Excellency Mr. Anderson Blanc, Ambassador of Canada to Ivory Coast

Violence against women and girls is today one of the most widespread human rights challenges in the world. One in three women is a victim of some form of physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender inequality, discrimination, and harmful cultural and social norms that emphasize men's superiority over women, normalize violence against women, and allow perpetrators to act with impunity.

During the second panel on "Platforms, Partners, and Coalitions Working Together to End Gender-Based Violence in Ivory Coast and Africa," Ghislain Coulibaly, Founder and President of the Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality, also a sociologist and Gender Specialist, discussed positive masculinity as an alternative to reducing gender-based violence in Africa

Positive masculinity is a new alternative for effective reduction of gender-based violence in Africa.

Ghislain Coulibaly, Founder and President of the Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality, also a sociologist and Gender Specialist

France, a Founding Member of the Global Fund, was represented by Ms. Emmanuelle Espié, Regional Health Advisor at the French Embassy in Ivory Coast, who reaffirmed the country's commitment to global health, and to women's health:

Supporting African women is fundamental to building resilient communities and promoting gender equality. We must be aware of our realities and responsibilities.

Ms. Emmanuelle Espié Emmanuelle Espié, Regional Health Advisor at the French Embassy in Ivory Coast

At the previous Resource Replenishment Conference in September 2022, France pledged 1.596 billion euros, a 23% increase over its previous contribution. This commitment demonstrates the country's strong commitment to positioning global health as a priority of French development policy, which is also reflected in its recent global health strategy for 2023-2027.

To conclude the exchange session, Irad Gbazale, a Voix EssentiELLES from Ivory Coast, activist, and President of the organization Women in Action, based in Agboville, stated: " We must be ready to face challenges and inspire change throughout Africa. Gender-based violence is a scourge for all of us. Do not be afraid to speak the truth. Shame must change sides. When women and girls are empowered and supported to play a role in the decision-making process, truly effective health policies and programs that take into account gender differences and cultural sensitivities can be developed and implemented, building on the lived experience of women and girls. Thus, Voix EssentiELLES aims to strengthen female leadership and support women and girls in their diversity, by investing in the capacities of grassroots organizations to improve health and equality.

Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we shine a spotlight on the unwavering efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending this practice. Among these champions is Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy, a beacon of hope and a leader in the fight against gender-based violence, including FGM.

 Meet Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy

As the Executive Secretary of the Senegalese Association for the Future of Women and Children (ASAFE), Fatimata has dedicated over a decade to public health and humanitarian efforts, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. Her journey began with the Association of Youth for Development (AJD/Pasteef), where she led programs to combat violence against women and girls. Her commitment extends beyond program leadership to active participation in raising awareness and advocating for change in a society where women have been historically marginalized.

Fatimata's Message

Fatimata believes in the power of involving future parents - our youth - in the fight against FGM. She stands firm in her conviction that empowering women and girls is not just a noble cause but a duty of every citizen. With a rich background in social work, public finance and management, human rights, and humanitarian action, she is a force for positive change, recently elected as the deputy mayor of the city of Guédiawaye.

As we reflect on the alarming statistics shared by UNFPA - with nearly 4.4 million girls at risk of FGM in 2024 alone - let's remember the importance of leadership like Fatimata's in our collective efforts. It will take an estimated $2.75 billion to eliminate FGM by 2030 in key countries, but with leaders like Fatimata and the support of our global network, we can accelerate progress and ensure no woman or girl is left behind.

Join us in celebrating Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy and the countless others working tirelessly to end FGM. Their leadership and dedication inspire us all to contribute to a more equitable and just world.

From December 01 to 05, the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections was held in Harare, Zimbabwe. An extremely enriching experience.

Young people are the most exposed to sexually transmitted infections. Thanks to the Voix EssentiELLES and Her Voice initiatives at ICASA 2023, we will have an educated youth to carry the voice of AIDS prevention. Following the presentation of the two organizations' strategies, we note many points in common, notably the accompaniment of so-called small organizations, the technical support offered to organizations, and of course, the importance of advocacy to achieve sustainable change.

ICASA 2023, Sex education is taboo in African communities. The solutions often mentioned in the various panels are first and foremost to focus on advocacy to make young people's voices heard, and on education for responsible sexuality. Accompany, support, train and reinforce to tackle inequalities and put an end to HIV/AIDS.

Thanks to the support of various organizations such as Speak Up Africa as part of the Voix EssentiELLES project, initiatives have been developed, but the lack of information and access to sexual and reproductive health tools leaves the door open to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

What struck me at ICASA was the involvement of young people. They're not just there to fill out the diversity of representation. They were present and involved. They moderated the panels, ran the exhibits, managed the stands and mastered the concept.

ICASA is a unique platform in the sense that it allows free expression without a priori judgments. The unavailability of space for expression limits progress in both health and GBV. Voix EssentiELLES, like Her Voice, provides a human understanding of the issues.

My favorite was the panel on: Keeping girls in school is a human right and a way to protect them from HIV. I work on keeping girls in school and on their health and well-being within the school. So, an opportunity for me to consider a peer-led awareness and prevention project.

I was very impressed by the peer educators' stands. Peer education is an initiative similar to those I have within my organization on sexual and reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. This time, however, the focus was exclusively on HIV/AIDS, with awareness-raising carried out by young people who have lived the experience for young people. I'm going to make the most of the connections I've made to extend the West African civil society platform and form solutions and approaches in Matam based on the experiences of my peers. ICASA 2023, Educating young people about responsible sexuality is necessary, because their voice is essential in AIDS prevention.

Written by WOPPA DIALLO | Executive Director AMFE SENEGAL

At the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), held in early December 2023 in Zimbabwe, the NGO Speak Up Africa was particularly active. In addition to a sharing session dedicated to its flagship program Voix Essentielles, the team also took part in the Ready Summit and the Youth Conference.

Sharing session between Voix Essentielles and Her Voice Fund: converging visions

At this meeting, the heads of the two programs were able to compare their respective approaches. The Voix Essentielles initiative, launched in 2021 with the support of the Global Fund and the CHANEL Foundation, aims to strengthen the participation of West African women and girls in health policies. It is based on providing funding to local women's associations and leadership training for influential women.

For its part, the Her Voice Fund is a mechanism financed by the Global Fund and ViiV Healthcare to amplify the voice of adolescent girls and young women in Southern Africa in national decision-making bodies on health and HIV.

The session provided an opportunity for Voix Essentielles beneficiaries to exchange views with their Southern African counterparts committed to the common agenda of combating gender-based violence, and to learn from each other's experiences.

Dr Astou Fall, Program Director, Speak Up Africa.

Participants stressed the importance of looking at these two initiatives holistically, combining capacity building, access to healthcare services and advocacy for equity and quality of care. Several avenues for collaboration were suggested, such as the organization of joint events or joint advocacy with donors.

With a shared vision focused on the empowerment of women and girls across the continent, the synergy of action could be harnessed to maximize the reach and sustainability of both programs.

Ready Summit: Speak Up Africa reaffirms its support for youth

The Speak Up Africa delegation was also represented at the plenary session of the Ready Summit, devoted to youth leadership on HIV/AIDS. The event reflects the NGO's commitment to empowering young girls.

During the debates, Speak Up Africa reaffirmed its position in favor of universal access to preventive treatment and respect for sexual and reproductive health rights. The organization also promoted the application of the Maputo Protocol on women's rights, in the face of rising conservatism.

Youth conference: an overview of the challenges

At the ICASA Youth Conference, Speak Up Africa was able to gauge the expectations of the new generation in the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Several avenues for improvement were identified, such as the creation of mentorships and discussion forums on sensitive subjects such as mental health and sexuality. 

Strengthening the leadership and capacities of young people is a priority for Speak Up Africa. The organization will continue to support youth associations to ensure their involvement in the development of public health policies.

This article was produced thanks to Speak Up Africa's "Lines for Impact" initiative.

Originally published on Mosso news

The Voix EssentiELLES initiative is a pilot project financed by the CHANEL Foundation and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is implemented by Speak Up Africa (SUA), a Dakar-based non-profit organization specialized in advocacy and strategic communications. The initiative is based on three main pillars: a Commitment Fund, a capacity-building program and a leadership program. Voix EssentiELLES provides grants of $15,000 per CSO, through a dedicated fund, to invest in capacity-building for women's and girls' community organizations, groups and networks, and their leaders.

For its phase 1, in September and October 2023, the Voix EssentiELLES initiative kicked off with the organization of 03 series of workshops in its countries of intervention: Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The aim of these workshops was to capitalize on the achievements of the pilot phase and to define with the beneficiary organizations the objectives of the roadmaps to be implemented from September 2023 to May 2024, including strengthening the increased representation of women's and girls' organizations in health governance bodies, improving the living conditions of women and girls affected by tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and GBV, and facilitating access to quality sexual health services for women and girls.

The specific objectives were to: i. Present the results and recommendations of the pilot phase evaluation. ii. Discuss strategic orientations and interventions for the next phase based on the recommendations. iii. Facilitate interaction between pilot phase organizations and new recruits. iv. Encourage experience sharing between beneficiary organizations in each country and v. Develop draft action plans for organizations from September 2023 to May 2024.

Act 1: Workshop in Senegal (September 18-20, 2023)

The workshop in Senegal took place from September 18 to 20, 2023 at CNLS headquarters in Dakar. The workshop brought together 33 participants, including representatives of Speak Up Africa, the Instance de Coordination Nationale des subventions du FM, civil society (ICN), and 26 representatives of the initiative's beneficiary organizations. The event aimed to achieve key deliverables, such as the identification of strategic interventions for participating organizations and the development of action plans for these organizations.

The first day saw participants welcomed, an opening ceremony with welcome speeches and introductions, the introduction of new organizations, as well as presentations on Speak Up Africa, the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, the results of the pilot phase and project indicators. Discussions and question-and-answer sessions followed, with the presentation of the 2022 roadmaps and orientations for the 2023 action plans. Thematic working groups were formed to develop these action plans. Day two saw further development of the action plans in working groups, with group discussions and progress updates, culminating in the finalization and presentation of the group action plans. Finally, the third day included a recap of the previous days, presentation and discussion of the finalized action plans, guidance on the initiative's administrative and financial procedures, and a closing ceremony with general recommendations and next steps.

Workshops in Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso followed a similar format and focused on sharing knowledge, promoting collaboration, and empowering women and girls to advocate for their health and well-being.

Act 2: Workshop in Côte d'Ivoire (September 28-29, 2023)

Côte d'Ivoire embraced the foundations laid by Senegal, focusing on learning from and reinforcing the results of the first day. The second phase of the workshop took place in Abidjan, where 20 representatives of selected NGOs gathered for the second day. This session began with a reminder of the previous day's discussions and a review of the first day's report. The Minister of Women, Family and Children was represented by Dr AMETHIER Solange, outgoing President of ICN Côte d'Ivoire. Recommendations on the involvement of public structures and local authorities were left to the organizations. The Platform of Civil Society Networks was represented, and played an active role in guiding CSOs working on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.

On the second day, participants continued to work in their thematic groups, finalizing their action plans taking into account the recommendations left by the invited bodies at the launch. A distinctive feature of the day was a financial session led by Mr. Siaka Traoré, Speak Up Africa's Chief Accountant, offering valuable information on administrative procedures, eligible expenses and financial reporting. The day ended with the presentation of the results of the thematic groups, laying the foundations for concrete action plans.

Act 3: Workshop in Burkina Faso (October 4-6, 2023)

The final chapter of the Voix EssentiELLES workshop took place in Burkina Faso, focusing on knowledge exchange and the creation of innovative action plans. Change agents from Burkina Faso, informed by the ideas and actions undertaken by their peers in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, joined forces in this regional initiative. The first day in Burkina Faso was a continuation of the learning and planning process. In addition to the beneficiary CBOs, it saw the participation of several partners, such as representatives of the main beneficiaries of GF grants, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry in charge of gender, and the Vice-President of the Instance de Coordination Nationale des subventions des Ressources du Fonds Mondial in Burkina Faso.

As in previous countries, the day began with a review of the project objectives and a presentation of the results and recommendations of the pilot phase. Participants discussed strategic directions for the next phase based on the recommendations, and engaged further with the core thematic areas. They collectively began drafting action plans that would guide the initiative from September 2023 to May 2024.

In conclusion, these workshops marked a decisive moment in the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of women and girls in West and Central Africa. The results of these meetings will undoubtedly contribute to positive change and more equitable health policies for women and girls in the region. It was an opportunity for the partners to reiterate their commitment to supporting the project in achieving these objectives.

International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated every October 11, is a globally recognized initiative to advocate for the rights and empowerment of girls around the world. A necessary reminder that many girls around the world still face daunting challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and the disproportionate burden of the consequences of climate change. These challenges underline the urgency of promoting gender equality and the essential role of girls in promoting sustainable development.

In this context, JGEN, an organization dedicated to the defense of girls' rights and empowerment in Senegal, played a crucial role in collaboration with Speak Up Africa. Together, they led a resounding campaign, whose commitment and enthusiasm were evident as they embarked on a journey to make a difference on International Day of the Girl Child. This initiative is part of a wider effort by Voix EssentiELLES, highlighting the importance of giving girls and women a voice in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

The context for this inspiring day is set by the regional "POTENTI'ELLES" campaign, a collective effort across West and Central Africa, focused on advocating for the promotion and protection of girls' rights. Despite significant progress in women's and girls' rights and gender equality, many girls continue to face a multitude of challenges, from limited access to education and healthcare, to the impact of climate change on their conditions. JGEN, in collaboration with Speak Up Africa, has been at the forefront of this campaign, working tirelessly to raise awareness of these challenges and stimulate collective action, demonstrating their dedication and passion in their quest to make a difference on International Day of the Girl.

A day in Fatick

In Fatick, a gathering was held to celebrate the day with a strong sense of determination. The agenda was packed with events that reflected the importance of the day and the urgent challenges facing young girls. The highlight of the day was the reading of an advocacy note by two young girls from Fatick, highlighting the devastating consequences of climate change on their lives, including climate-related school disruptions, economic shocks on climate-sensitive households, increased risk of early marriage, transactional sex, HIV infection and early pregnancy due to lack of education, among others.

Among the 100 girls in attendance, two from the JAGAMMAR Children's Group stood as the voices of their generation, highlighting the intersection of gender equality and climate action. Their words were a reminder that climate change disproportionately affects young girls, who often bear the brunt of its consequences. The authorities present, including the SRAJ manager and the CDPE coordinator, also witnessed this poignant plea, emphasizing the protection and promotion of children's rights in the Fatick department.

JGEN's commitment

JGEN's commitment to empowering young girls is unwavering. The day was a demonstration of their dedication to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to become a leader. Their focus goes beyond raising awareness - JGEN is actively working to solve critical issues, such as raising the legal age of marriage for girls to 18, ensuring access to basic social services and mitigating the impact of climate change on children.

Support from Speak Up Africa

Speak Up Africa believes in the potential and power of young girls to become agents of change and leaders within their communities, and therefore remains proud to support JGEN in its mission. The organization recognizes that gender equality is at the heart of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG5), and by investing in young girls, they are helping to build a more equal future for all.

In conclusion, International Day of the Girl was a day of celebration, empowerment and advocacy. It was an opportunity to listen to the voices of young girls who are not only dreaming big, but actively working towards a better future. JGEN's commitment, in collaboration with Speak Up Africa, was at the forefront of the "POTENTI'ELLES" campaign, which is part of the wider Voix EssentiELLES initiatives. Together, Speak Up Africa and JGEN are working to make a difference, and International Day of the Girl is a reminder that the dreams and aspirations of young girls deserve to be celebrated and encouraged.

Kigali, July 18, 2023- On the sidelines of the Women Deliver 2023 conference in Kigali, Rwanda, Voix EssentiELLES, Her Voice Fund, Speak Up Africa, Y+Global, ViiV Healthcare Positive Action and the Global Fund are organizing a session around the theme "Advancing gender equality by investing in the meaningful engagement of women and girls in decision-making spaces". This session launches the second phase of Voix EssentiELLES, an initiative supported by the CHANEL Foundation and the Global Fund to empower women and girls and promote their involvement in decision-making processes and spaces.

This year, 2023, marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights, which establishes the guarantee of women's rights as an essential condition for sustainable development. Yet women still face multiple obstacles in accessing health care, education, economic opportunities and decision-making bodies. The meeting, organized during the Women Deliver 2023 conference, highlighted the voices of community organizations, women and girls, activists and donors who work daily to remove economic, religious and socio-cultural barriers to the full development of women and girls in all their diversity.

Larissa Bachia, Program Manager at IDEO, emphasized the need for a community-based approach in the design and implementation of initiatives to achieve gender equality.

"We need to eliminate stereotypes, strengthen girls' initiatives and ensure they have the means to participate actively in society. They need to sit at the same table as funders and implementing organizations as equals. We need a paradigm shift in the way we work. We can be experts in our fields of intervention, but the decision-making on what will work and what won't must be left to those whose lives are affected by the solutions we design and implement," declared Larissa Bachia.

Participants from feminist organizations, women's networks, civil society, the private sector and philanthropic organizations exchanged best practices and approaches, as well as lessons learned from women's initiatives to promote gender equality and strengthen the leadership of women and girls. The meeting presented promising initiatives, success factors and obstacles in implementing collaborative initiatives that meet the multiple needs of women and women's networks. It also addressed the theme of strategic partnerships, exploring ways for philanthropic organizations and women's and girls' networks to work together more effectively, as well as strategic alliances to influence policies, programs and funding to advance gender equality.

Among the panelists was Jennifer Van, President of "Jeunes engagées pour la sexualité", a recipient organization of the Voix EssentiELLES Fund in Côte d'Ivoire in 2021 and 2022. Drawing on her organization's significant success and impact in combating violence and inequality against women and girls in Côte d'Ivoire, Jennifer Van reiterated the urgent need for sustainable investment in women's leadership and the empowerment of women and girls. "Thanks to the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, we have been able to help hundreds of young girls take control of their sexual health by avoiding risky sexual practices. It's vital to support women's organizations working to eliminate gender inequalities, because empowering women is an essential lever for sustainable and equitable development in Africa", insisted Jennifer Van.

The meeting also enabled participants to explore new opportunities for partnerships and innovative financing to support community initiatives dedicated to gender equality. To this end, the various speakers placed particular emphasis on the importance of public-private partnerships in mobilizing funding to achieve significant progress towards gender equality.

"Faced with the enormous challenges of achieving gender equality, we need to leverage the skills and contributions of everyone. Governments and businesses must work with women and girls in all their diversity to create an inclusive ecosystem in which women and girls can flourish and contribute fully to development", said Kate Thomson, Head of Community, Rights and Gender at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

For Maximina Jokonya, Coordinator of HER Voice Fund, public-private partnerships can be a powerful strategy for ending gender disparities and amplifying the voices of women and girls.

"It's crucial that the public and private sectors pool their resources and expertise to drive social transformation towards gender equality. The synergy of their actions will make it possible to implement inclusive policies, create positive role models and foster the development of women as leaders and decision-makers", explains Maximina Jokonya.

Fara Ndiaye, Deputy Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, pointed out that collaboration between the public and private sectors is a strategic axis that cuts across all Speak Up Africa programs and initiatives, including those dedicated to gender equality.

"Having been a younger, smaller organization ourselves, and with what was considered a lower financial absorption capacity just a few years ago, we are now very proud to be in a position where we can build the capacity and potential of dozens of community-based organizations across West Africa. With this second phase, we are striving to achieve greater impact while building trust and lasting relationships with our community partners," added Fara Ndiaye.

Dakar, 18th July 2023- Alongside the Women Deliver 2023 conference taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, Voix EssentiELLES, Her Voice Fund, Speak Up Africa, Y+ Global, ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, and the Global Fund hosted a side event on the theme "Advancing gender equality through investing in women and girl's meaningful engagement in decision-making spaces". This event kicks off the second phase of Voix EssentiELLES, an initiative supported by Fondation CHANEL and the Global Fund and aimed at empowering women and girls and promote their participation in decision-making processes and spaces.

This year, 2023, marks the twentieth anniversary of the Maputo Protocol on African Women's Rights. This protocol established African women's rights guarantee as a fundamental condition for sustainable development. Yet women still face multiple barriers in accessing healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and decision-making bodies in Africa. Organized as part of the Women Deliver 2023 conference, the event was an opportunity to highlight the voices of community organization, women and girls, activists and funders committed to tackling health, economic, religious, and socio-cultural barriers to the development of women and girls in all their diversity.

Larissa Bachia, Senior Program Lead at IDEO, emphasized the need for a community-based approach to the design and implementation of gender equality programmes. "We need to neutralize hierarchies, reinforce girl's agency, and ensure they have the means for active participation. They should sit on a table with funders and implementing organizations as peers. We need to embrace new ways of working. We can be subject matter experts, but decision-making on what will work and what will not work should be left for those whose lives are affected by the solutions we design and implement" she commented.

Participants from feminist organizations, women's networks, civil society, private sector, and philanthropic organizations discussed best practices, approaches and lessons learned from women-led initiatives to promote gender equality. The event featured inter-connected themes including: What Works- featuring promising initiatives, success factors and bottlenecks within collaborative initiatives that address multiple needs of women and networks and Strategic Partnerships - interrogating funders and women and girls can collaborate better, building alliances, leverage on each others' expertise, influence policies, programmes and financing towards advancing gender equality and meaningful participation.

Jennifer Van, President of "Jeunes engagées pour la sexualité", a Voix EssentiELLES Fund grantee in Côte d'Ivoire in 2021 and 2022, was one of the panelists. She highlighted her organization's significant achievements and impact in fighting gender-based violence and inequality in Côte d'Ivoire. She also emphasized the urgent need to invest in women's leadership and empowerment and the need for long-term funding for organizations like hers.

"Through the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, we have helped hundreds of young girls take control of their sexual health by avoiding risky sexual behavior. It is vital to support women-led organizations working to eliminate gender inequality, as women's empowerment is a key lever for sustainable and equitable development in Africa," said Jennifer Van.

The meeting also provided participants with an opportunity to explore new partnership opportunities and innovative financing to support community-based initiative to ensure that gender equality becomes a reality. The speakers highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in increasing investments and finding innovative ways to accelerate progress towards advancing gender equality.

"There are still enormous challenges to achieving gender equality and we must leverage the skills and contributions of all. Governments and businesses must work together with women and girls in all their diversity to create an inclusive ecosystem where women and girls can thrive and contribute fully to development," said Kate Thomson, Head of Community, Rights and Gender at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Maximina Jokonya, coordinator of the HER Voice Fund, believes that public-private partnerships can be a powerful strategy for ending gender inequality and amplifying women and girls' voices. "It is crucial that the public and private sectors pool their resources and expertise to drive social change and achieve gender equality. The synergy of their actions can lead to the implementation of inclusive policies, the creation of positive role models and the development of women as leaders and decision-makers," said Maximina Jokonya.

Fara Ndiaye, Deputy Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors is a key strategy in all Speak Up Africa interventions, including gender equality initiatives.

"As once a younger, smaller organization with what was considered lower absorptive financial capacity, we feel tremendously blessed to now be in a position where we can strengthen the capacities and unleash the potential of dozens of grassroots organizations across West Africa. With this second phase, we strive for increased impact as we further build trust and sustainable relationships with our grantees", she concluded.