Pre ADF Youth Forum: Ending Violence against Young women and Girls

This year the ADF aims to review progress made at the national, sub regional and regional levels towards gender equality and women’s empowerment as well as seek diverse ways to overcome challenges in implementing policies concerning women’s issues.

The World YWCA will also co-host a pre- ADF Youth Forum on November 18 with the theme: ‘Youth leadership in Gender Re-Socialization, Ending Violence Against Girls and Young Women & Building a Culture of Peace in Africa.’

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity for young women from YWCAs across Africa to network, dialogue with other young people from the region and build their leadership in order to influence policies and decisions of the African Union” said Dr. Helene Yinda, World YWCA programme Director for Africa and the Middle East.

The Pre-ADF VI Youth consultation will examine the role of young people in gender re-socialisation to prevent and respond to gender based violence as well as end violence against girls and young women in conflict situations. It will also serve as a platform for the preparation of the forthcoming Youth Forum at the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security in Monrovia, Liberia 7-9 March 2009.

World YWCA Delegation at the Pre-ADF VI Youth forum includes:

Constance Shumba – World YWCA board member

Dr Helene Yinda – World YWCA Programme Director for Africa and the Middle East

Rosaline K. Toweh - General Secretary YWCA of Liberia

Melat Tekletsadik – General Secretary YWCA of Ethiopia

Makda Mikre and Bemnet Behailu – young women YWCA of Ethiopia

Lydia Gbelee and Frances Greaves – young women YWCA of Liberia

The World YWCA is working in partnership with AUC, UNECA, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNIFEM, World YWCA, Liberia Ministry of Youth, Enhancing Youth, Education and Health Foundation (Ghana), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).