Dear Nalafem Community,
At the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), Nalafem focused on key advocacy areas: women, peace, and security, and the North Africa Youth B+30 Declaration. From creating spaces for young feminists to engage decision-makers to elevating the demands of women and girls across Africa, Nalafem played a crucial role in shaping global discussions.
The Nalafem delegation featured Enass Abdalla Abdulrahman (Sudan), Gender Justice & Peace Advocate, Hanin Ahmed (Sudan), External Officer of Localization Coordination Council of Emergency Response Rooms Sudan, Hon. Deborah Akech, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Aya Chebbi, Founder & President of Nalafem. The delegation engaged in strategic meetings and high-level convenings, advocating for African women and girls in conflict, and calling for a ceasefire and action against conflict-related sexual violence.
In a closed-door discussion with Her Excellency Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, Hanin and Enass presented advocacy priorities on peace, security, humanitarian response, and young peacebuilders’ support. Ambassador Mohammed reaffirmed her commitment to centering young women’s leadership within African Union processes.
Following Nalafem’s engagement at UNGA 2024, discussions with Malala Fund continued, focusing on Debt Justice for Girls and initiatives to reform the global debt system to prioritize girls’ education and rights.
As a member of the Global Alliance for Care, Nalafem explored joint projects for young caregivers in multilateral spaces and strategic partnerships, particularly ahead of the G20 Summit in South Africa.
Nalafem met with UN Women’s Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact (WPS-HA) Lead, Harriette Williams Bright, and her team to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, a petition for an immediate ceasefire, and strategies to amplify young women’s leadership in peace negotiations.
Nalafem moderated “Stories from the Frontlines: Strategies and Struggles Across Movement-Based Organizing,” co-sponsored by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, MADRE, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance. Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee emphasized the critical role of young people in peacebuilding and justice movements, alongside panelists from Liberia, Kenya, and the US who reinforced the importance of investing in youth leadership for sustainable movements.
In partnership with the Apolitical Foundation, Nalafem played a key role in shaping Africa’s priorities in a global platform for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and political empowerment. Women politicians from Africa, Asia, and Latin America gathered to strategize on advancing women’s political leadership and intergenerational mentorship.
Nalafem also convened over 60 participants from 15 countries for Solidarity Night, reaffirming a collective commitment to feminist peace and justice across Africa. Participants called for cross-border solidarity for Sudan and the strengthening of feminist movements that center the leadership of young women peacebuilders.
Nalafem is gathering 100,000 signatures for a petition demanding an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. Will you stand with us?
Sign the Petition Now
Thank you to our partners, allies, and community members who supported Nalafem’s advocacy at CSW69 and beyond. Together, we are shaping a future where African women and girls lead the agenda for peace, freedom, and equality.
In Pan-African Solidarity,
The Nalafem Team
