FAWE Guinea organized an important advocacy day, bringing together key policy-makers and strategic partners to strengthen the collective commitment to girls’ and young women’s education. The event, held in Conakry in August, was marked by the inspiring presence of Hon. Aïcha Bah Diallo, Chair of FAWE Africa’s Board of Directors and former Minister of Education in Guinea.

Advocacy focused on equal opportunities

The day provided a unique platform to address the current challenges facing girls in Guinea’s education system, with a particular focus on socio-cultural and economic barriers. FAWE Guinea, through the leadership of its Executive Board and in collaboration with Hon. Aïcha Bah Diallo, emphasised the need for concerted action to ensure equitable access to quality education for all girls, regardless of their social or geographical background.

Mobilising key players

Participants included government representatives, development partners, local NGOs and members of civil society, who discussed policies and initiatives to promote inclusive education. Advocacy also focused on the importance of investing in appropriate school infrastructure, as well as training teachers in gender-sensitive pedagogy, in order to create a safe school environment conducive to girls’ learning.

The inspiring speech by Hon. Aïcha Bah Diallo

In her speech, Hon. Aïcha Bah Diallo recalled that girls’ education is not only a fundamental right, but also a powerful lever for economic and social development’. She also encouraged decision-makers to adopt concrete policies to remove the barriers to girls’ schooling, and called for a synergy of efforts between governmental and non-governmental partners.

Prospects for the future

The day ended with a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening existing initiatives. FAWE Guinea undertook to continue its advocacy work with the authorities and partners to ensure that girls’ education remains a national priority. The day marked an important milestone in the mobilisation for girls’ empowerment through education, with the invaluable support of leaders such as Hon. Aïcha Bah Diallo.