FAWE reaffirmed its continental leadership in advancing gender equality in education by co-leading the African Union Cluster on Girls\u2019 and Women\u2019s Education during the CESA Cluster Meeting held on 10\u201311 February 2026. Convened in partnership with the African Union International Centre for Girls\u2019 and Women\u2019s Education in Africa (AU\/CIEFFA), the meeting brought together key education stakeholders, policymakers, and partners committed to shaping the future of inclusive education across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This strategic engagement marked a critical step in operationalising the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2026\u20132035, the African Union\u2019s long-term framework for transforming education systems across the continent. At the heart of the discussions was the review and validation of the Gender Equality Framework\u2014a foundational instrument designed to guide African Union Member States in strengthening gender-responsive education policies, programmes, and accountability mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Co-Lead of the Cluster, FAWE plays a central role in ensuring that gender equality remains a priority within Africa\u2019s education transformation agenda. The FAWE delegation, led by Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa, included Catherine Asego, Senior Advocacy and Partnerships Officer; Karen Ondwasi, Advocacy and Partnerships Assistant; and Mercy Mueni, Executive Assistant. Their participation reinforced FAWE\u2019s commitment to supporting African Union Member States in translating continental commitments into concrete, measurable progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Gender Equality Framework under review represents a significant milestone in advancing coordinated action across countries and partners. It is designed to strengthen policy alignment, promote accountability, and ensure that education systems address persistent gender disparities. The framework also emphasises the importance of inclusive education environments that support the participation, retention, and success of girls and young women\u2014particularly those facing multiple forms of vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions to ensure that the framework reflects current realities and emerging priorities, including access to safe learning environments, gender-responsive pedagogy, leadership development, and equitable access to opportunities in science, technology, and technical education. Participants also explored strategies for strengthening data systems, monitoring progress, and ensuring that commitments translate into tangible outcomes at national and local levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAWE\u2019s leadership in this process reflects its longstanding role as a trusted partner to the African Union and a leading advocate for girls\u2019 and women\u2019s education across Africa. Through its programmes, policy engagement, and technical expertise, FAWE continues to contribute to shaping education systems that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CESA 2026\u20132035 Gender Equality Framework will serve as a roadmap for advancing gender equality across Africa\u2019s education sector over the next decade. By strengthening coordination among governments, civil society, and development partners, the framework aims to accelerate progress toward inclusive education systems that empower girls and young women to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As FAWE continues to co-lead continental efforts and engage with African Union processes, it remains committed to ensuring that gender equality is not only a policy aspiration\u2014but a lived reality for millions of girls and young women across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships, and technical leadership, FAWE is helping to shape a future where education systems are more inclusive, more equitable, and more transformative\u2014contributing to Africa\u2019s broader vision for sustainable development and social justice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FAWE reaffirmed its continental leadership in advancing gender equality in education by co-leading the African Union Cluster on Girls\u2019 and Women\u2019s Education during the CESA Cluster Meeting held on 10\u201311 February 2026. Convened in partnership with the African Union International Centre for Girls\u2019 and Women\u2019s Education in Africa (AU\/CIEFFA), the meeting brought together key education […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":71947,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[78],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n