The 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York was a pivotal moment for global dialogue, and FAWE Africa stood at the very heart of it. Over the course of a momentous week, the organisation carried its mission for girls’ education and women’s empowerment onto the world stage, ensuring that the rights, voices and lived realities of women and girls were placed at the centre of decisions that shaped our world.
Feminist Leadership for the Next Era of Multilateralism
On 22 September, Ms. Teresa Omondi Adeitan, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programs, represented FAWE at a UNGA81 side event titled “The Time Is Now: Feminist Leadership for the Next Era of Multilateralism,” hosted by IPPF. The conversation was a powerful reminder that reproductive health rights were central to the global agenda. It underscored that feminist leadership meant advancing policies and investments that addressed the barriers girls faced—from poverty and gender-based violence to inadequate reproductive health information and services.
The dialogue reaffirmed a fundamental truth: when girls had access to quality information, services and support to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures, they were better able to remain in school, complete their education and pursue their aspirations. Ms. Omondi Adeitan captured the essence of the moment with a powerful declaration:
“The next era of multilateralism must therefore be one where girls are not only beneficiaries of global commitments, but are recognised as rights-holders, leaders and co-creators of the future. Investing in girls’ education, health and agency is investing in a more equal and inclusive world.”
At UNGA, FAWE continued its active participation in advocating for and influencing transformative decision-making for girls’ education in Africa.
The Global Partnership for Education’s #MultiplyPossibilities Replenishment Convening
On 24 September, on the margins of UNGA81 in New York, the FAWE team, led by Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, joined government representatives, development partners and civil society at the Global Partnership for Education’s #MultiplyPossibilities replenishment convening. Hosted by renowned CNN journalist Larry Madowo, the event raised an impressive US$3.5 billion in just 90 minutes. The funds were destined to support education in 90 lower-income countries, helping to ensure that no child was left behind.
Reflecting on the importance of the initiative, Larry Madowo remarked: “My mum was a teacher in rural Kenya, so this is personal to me.” His words resonated deeply, reminding all present that behind every statistic was a human story.
The stakes were undeniably high. Globally, 132 million girls were out of school. Africa’s out-of-school population had risen from 96 million in 2010 to 120 million in 2024. Education exclusion cost Africa an estimated US$101 billion every year. These figures were not merely numbers; they represented lost potential, diminished futures and a continent held back from its full promise.
Investing in education was one of the smartest investments Africa could make in its future. The conversations that began at UNGA would continue at FAWE’s 4th International Girls’ Conference in Nairobi that November, where girls and young people would help shape the path from access to agency, leadership and opportunity.
Civil Society United for Global Education
On 30 September, the final day of this momentous week, the voice of civil society took centre stage. It was crucial to move the needle on global education and mobilise the investments needed to #MultiplyPossibility for every child. UNGA81 was an important moment to have the conversations that mattered, to align the work of GPE with local needs and priorities.
At a time when education systems were underfunded and under strain from climate shocks, population growth, fragility and economic uncertainty, the case for investing in education had never been stronger. GPE and civil society together could open new doors for millions of children, making education the defining investment in our collective future.
FAWE Africa extended its profound gratitude to World Vision International, Malala Fund, Plan International, Save the Children, Global Campaign for Education, ASPBAE, FAWE, Education International, Street Child, Oxfam, Global Student Forum, International Rescue Committee, Teach For All, AVSI, Right To Play, Girls Not Brides and Christian Blind Mission for their unwavering commitment and dedication to quality education.
