The African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA), in collaboration with the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), hosted a high-level side event during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations. The event focused on mobilizing girls’ and women’s education as a tool for leadership, resilience, and the transformation of conflict-affected communities, bringing together ministers, parliamentarians, and international officials to underscore that girls’ education is a strategic lever for Africa’s reconstruction and stability.
Speakers highlighted the connection between education and leadership, with AU Commissioner H.E. Prof. Gaspard Banyankibona emphasizing the need to equip girls with intellectual tools to become decision-makers in post-conflict governance. Ambassador Mohamed Edrees stressed the urgency of protecting girls’ access to education in humanitarian crises, while IWPG Chairwoman Ms. Nayeong Jeon showcased how peace education empowers women affected by conflict to lead change in their communities.
Concrete initiatives presented included Côte d’Ivoire’s first national education budget and programs addressing menstrual insecurity and crisis-affected students, Chad’s call for stronger parliamentary inclusion of women, and the AU CIEFFA’s #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign, which has mobilized 16 countries to reintegrate girls who have dropped out of school with support from traditional and religious leaders.
Key recommendations emerging from the dialogue focused on increasing education financing, ensuring safe and high-quality learning environments, and promoting the systematic participation of young women in mediation and governance. AU CIEFFA Coordinator Mrs. Simone Yankey emphasized that education is crucial for correcting historical inequalities and building a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Africa. The event concluded with the announcement of the 2nd AU Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Education (AU/PANCOGed2) scheduled for June 2026.
