Addis Ababa, 14 April 2023: The African Union (AU) Commission, through the Youth for Peace Africa and the Gender Peace and Security Programmes of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, launched an Award Ceremony, at the AU Headquarters, to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of youth and women in promoting peace, human rights, gender equality and empowerment.

The Award is intended to raise awareness and promote greater understanding of the vital role Civil Society Organisations, particularly women and youth networks, play in peacebuilding efforts including conflict prevention, management and resolution as well as post-conflict reconstruction and development. It is also intended to encourage and promote CSOs that are engaged in advancing the WPS and YPS agenda in Africa.

The winners representing six (6) women-led and youth-led organizations include: Women's Network for Peace, Burundi, Rural Women Peace Link, Kenya, SOS Urgence, Mauritania,4 H Zimbabwe Foundation, Zimbabwe, Local Youth Corner, Cameroon and Eshet Children and Youth Development Organization, Ethiopia.

Presenting the Awards, Dr. Ezechiel Nibigira, Minister of East African Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture of the Republic of Burundi, highlighted the significance of supporting youth and women’s agencies in enhancing and promoting the consolidation of inclusive and democratic societies for the attainment of durable peace, stability, and development in Africa. “We celebrate the winners for their extraordinary efforts for going beyond the call of duty in advancing the WPS and the YPS Agenda”, the Minister stated.

On a similar note, Director Alhaji Sarjoh Bah of the Conflict Prevention and Management Directorate, PAPS, highlighted the tireless efforts of women and youth in preventing conflict and in promoting peace; advancing gender equality and women’s and youth empowerment, as well as advocating for human rights which are essential for achieving sustainable peace. “In the African Union, we applaud the courage, resilience, and commitment of women and youth to building a better Africa, and we are proud to recognize their achievements,” the director stated. “knowing that we are supported by organizations such as the AU, motivates us to do more and to further commit to positive social changes and to inspire other youth organizations”.

The Awardees stated that winners of such awards will be motivated to serve as inspirational leaders to encourage and raise the hope of other youth and women organizations who are out there struggling to impart positive change within their communities as they embody the core values of serving women and youth empowerment. They also addressed challenges impacting their work such as the lack of trained manpower and adequate funding.

 This award is in line with the AU’s commitment to “leaving no one behind,” as part of its aspiration to build a people-centred community and deliver on the aspiration of Agenda 2063 for shared prosperity and well-being, for unity and integration, for a continent of free citizens and expanded horizons, where the full potential of women and youth are realized, and with freedom from fear, disease and want.

 

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Lulit Kebede, Communication Officer | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: klulit@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

 

 

 “This award is a testimony of the work young people have been doing in the promotion of a peaceful and prosperous Africa; a justification of our passion and commitment to the realization of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and the African Union’s agenda 2063,” said Ms. Vanesia Ngu Naah, Finance and Operation Manager, Local Youth Corner,  while expressing gratitude for receiving the award. She further stated that such an initiative by the AU motivates the youth to drive further in their goals and endeavours.

 “Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to encourage and raise the hope of other youth organizations who are out there struggling to impart positive change within their societies as they are being committed to women and youth empowerment,” said Mr. Sisay Tarekegn, Executive Director, Eshet Children and Youth Development Organization. “knowing that we

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