In Sub-Saharan Africa, evidence shows that investing in women’s and girls’ education, health and economic opportunities is fundamental to realizing the continent’s human capital potential and spurring sustainable economic growth. Over the past few decades, countries in the region have made considerable progress addressing a range of outcomes that are critical for women’s and girls’ empowerment, including legal reforms on the age of marriage and gender-based violence. However, women and girls remain particularly vulnerable by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated existing gender gaps and inequalities. The COVID-19 response must therefore be centered on protecting, preserving and sustaining financial and social investments in women and girls. As part of the Human Capital Project Global Forum, which brings together government focal points from around the world, this event will highlight testimonies from voices with first-hand experience and expertise on why protecting and advancing women’s and girls’ social and economic empowerment in the immediate and ...

The State of the Africa Region event attempted to answer this age-old question and put some answers into practice. The discussion, moderated by Julie Gichuru, did not disappoint in terms of diversity, passion, and humor, with Africa Region Vice President Hafez Ghanem in his opening remarks declaring himself a newborn feminist in his “old age”, and Chief Economist Albert Zeufack linking gender inequality to slower-than-expected growth of just 2.6 percent for 2019.   An animated group of panelists talked through practical ways to close the gap between men and women in Africa. While there was consensus on areas like access to health, education, empowerment, and changing social norms, entrepreneur Ciiru Waithaka highlighted the need to move beyond gathering data and use what we know to drive tangible results. As a doctor working in fragile environment, Christabel Ngwashi outlined the important role of women in health care at all levels (policy, community, individual), and urged women not to rely on entitlement, but to earn ...

This is a Facebook Live interview. Watch the replay! As part of our Spring Meetings 2018 Interview Series, we will be talking with Oyindamola Honey Ogundeyi, Founder, Fashpa.com, Nigeria, about how online platforms are empowering women in Africa.