Africa Disrupt CSW 69: Passing the Baton from Yaounde to Gaborone
Gaborone, Botswana, buzzed with energy and purpose from February 25th to 27th, 2025, as African women leaders, activists, and advocates convened for the Africa Disrupt CSW69.
This year’s theme was “Beijing +30 – Uniting in Solidarity, Safeguarding our Gains, Amplifying our Voices,” as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marks its 30th anniversary and ahead of the upcoming CSW 69 which will maily focus on reveiwing the Declaration as well.
The strategic location, chosen because Botswana is the chair of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, is part of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) of the African Union and it has been nominated to co-facilitate the CSW revitalization.
The annual conference, organized by The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) and its Botswana based partners – Sustain 267, provided a crucial platform to assess the progress and challenges facing African girls and young women 30 years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
With the powerful words of Graça Machel echoing through the sessions, “Our lives will only be meaningful if each one of us can say I was able to bring 5, 10, 15 and 20 women alongside with me. What I am saying is do not climb alone,” the focus was firmly on collective action and feminist solidarity.
The opening session featured powerful remarks from various stakeholders, including NGO CSW Africa representatives, UN Women, the African Union Commission, and the Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs of Botswana.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Memory Kachambwa – FEMNET Executive Director noted, “An unfortunate reality in the 21st century is that patriarchy and misogyny still persist, manifesting in unequal pay, limited access to education, and pervasive gender-based violence. It’s our responsibility as African girls and young women to challenge these harmful norms, demanding equal opportunities and a world free from discrimination.”
She emphasized the urgent need for collective action and unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that continue to impede the progress of African women and girls. She further highlighted the power and agency of young women to be drivers of change, and the importance of holding leaders accountable for creating a more just and equitable society.
A pivotal moment was the panel discussion, “The African Scorecard on BPfA+30 – Celebrations or Concerns?” Moderated by Susan Nyabena, panelists from across the continent, including Mbazarire Sharifa from Uganda and Mmabatho Motsamai from Botswana explored the complex realities of gender equality in Africa.
“Are we celebrating? Yes, we have made strides,” stated Mmabatho Motsamai, “but we are also deeply concerned about the persistent challenges and the rollback we are seeing in some areas.”She continued.
“Celebrating 30 years of the BDPfA is a milestone and as as African girls and young women, this 30th anniversary provides us with an important moment to reflect on its achievements and reaffirm our commitment to the pursuit of gender equality,” added Ilwad Elmi- Ag. Head of Youth Development and Engagement Division at the African Union.
The afternoon focused on the upcoming CSW69, with participants delving into the political declaration and developing an implementation framework for monitoring commitments. Breakout sessions allowed for in-depth discussions, culminating in feedback from group rapporteurs.
Day two centered on safeguarding the gains made in gender equality, particularly focusing on the Maputo Protocol. Pato Kelesitse moderated a panel discussion with Goitsemodimo Ditsele, Dr. Maude Dikobe, and Elsie Alexander, who provided reflections from Botswana. Discussions also touched upon the SADC gender protocol.
The highlight of this day was passing the baton from Yaunde to Gaborone, which was virtually led by Dr Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh. This symbolic gesture, a crucial element of the Africa Disrupt CSW tradition, signified the transition of leadership and responsibility for advancing gender equality advocacy in the lead-up to CSW69. Dr. Mbondgulo-Wondieh, a veteran voice in the African women’s rights movement, delivered a heartfelt message, reflecting on the achievements and lessons learned from the Yaoundé gathering last year.
She highlighted the importance of continuity and collaboration, urging participants in Gaborone to build upon the momentum generated in Cameroon. The virtual handover allowed for a seamless transition, ensuring that the collective knowledge and energy accumulated in Yaoundé were effectively transferred to the Gaborone cohort, reinforcing the pan-African solidarity that drives the movement. This moment was not just a procedural exchange; it was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the African women’s movement and the shared commitment to achieving gender equality across the continent.
Maureen Olyaro led a plenary presentation on CSW revitalization, followed by group discussions on reimagining CSW. Participants explored recommendations for policy relevance, enabling effectiveness, and enhancing multi-stakeholder participation. Resource mobilization for CSW engagement was also addressed by a representative from African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).
The final day was dedicated to amplifying voices and taking concrete action. Skills labs focused on advocacy at national, regional, and global levels, covering media engagement, language in advocacy, and monitoring opposition.
“The language we use is crucial in advocacy,” emphasized Maureen Olyaro – Policy and Programs Manager at FEMNET, during the “Language in Advocacy” lab. “We need to be intentional and strategic in how we communicate our messages to ensure they resonate with our target audiences,” she added.
A key outcome of the event was the adoption of Africa CSW69 outcome documents, including an advocacy letter to Botswana and Ireland, urging for concrete commitments and meaningful participation of African women and girls in the CSW revitalization process. Participants also finalized recommendations for an implementation framework to monitor and track Africa Member States’ commitments to the CSW69 Political Declaration.
The closing remarks highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and action. The “Africa Disrupt CSW69” event in Gaborone served as a powerful reminder of the need to unite in solidarity, safeguard hard-won gains, and amplify the voices of African women and girls as they strive for a more equitable future.
