The Women Radio 91.7 FM has recorded another feat with presentation of premiere of its documentary, Beijing +30: Voices of Change, Stories of Progress at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York.
Penpushing reports that the event, held on March 11, 2025 was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion titled Reimagining African Feminist Solidarity: Pushing Intersectionality and Intergenerational Agendas Post B+30.
The impactful event was organized by the Women’s Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with Women Radio, Above Whispers, and the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL).
Penpushing further reports that the panel brought together women leaders from across Africa to discuss the state of feminist advocacy, persistent challenges, and actionable solutions.
The documentary and panel underscored the progress made since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted 30 years ago, while highlighting the urgent need for continued efforts to address gender inequality and systemic barriers across the continent.
Penpushing also reports that the panel featured powerful testimonies from feminist leaders across the continent, each shedding light on the unique challenges faced by women in their respective countries
The former first lady of Ekiti State Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, and founder of Above Whispers, in her opening speech reflected on her feminist journey, emphasizing the role of the African Women’s Digitisation Institute in empowering young women.
Penpushing reports that Adeleye-Fayemi while acknowledging strides in legal reforms and political participation, stressed that gender inequalities remain pervasive, particularly in Nigeria.
“Feminism is a global struggle against patriarchal oppression,” she declared, urging collective action to dismantle systemic barriers.
The founder of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Anny T. Modi painted a grim picture of the country, where women continue to endure violence amid ongoing conflict, noting that despite the historic appointment of the country’s first female Prime Minister, women remain excluded from peace processes.
Penpushing further reports that she pointed out that feminist leaders are often marginalized, and therefore called for the establishment of a Country Feminist Forum to empower women and foster greater solidarity across Africa.
The Executive Director of the Women’s Action Group in Zimbabwe Edinah Masiyiwa highlighted Zimbabwe’s robust legal framework for gender equality, including progressive inheritance laws and a minimum age of sexual consent set at 18.
Penpushing reports that she, however, noted that implementation remains a significant challenge, adding that maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and patriarchal norms continue to hinder progress.
The Executive Director of the Women’s Action Group explained that Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe is working tirelessly to enforce policies and drive systemic change.
Penpushing further reports that Senior Technical Advisor at Raising Voices, Uganda and Kenya Dora Kiconco-Musinguzi shared alarming statistics on femicide in Kenya, where 500 women were killed in 2023 alone, many by intimate partners.
The Advisor disclosed that in Uganda, harmful laws, including the anti-homosexuality law, endanger women’s lives, and called for stronger legal enforcement and cross-border solidarity to combat gender-based violence.
Penpushing also reports that Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for the Law of Africa, Sudan Hale Al-Karib spoke passionately about the devastating impact of war on Sudanese women.
The Director lamented that sexual violence is being weaponized, and the once-vibrant women’s movement is under attack, and urged the international community to support grassroots efforts, amplify Sudanese voices, and hold global leaders accountable for action.
Penpushing reports that Nigeria Emmanuella Azu of Women’s Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) addressed the evolving landscape of feminism in Nigeria, where younger activists are leveraging digital platforms for advocacy while older feminists struggle to navigate online spaces.
The official of the centre highlighted setbacks in education, weak law enforcement, and the rise of technology-facilitated violence, calling for bridging generational gaps, strengthening online activism, and ensuring the full implementation of protective laws.
Penpushing further reports that the discussions at Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) underscored the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement and policy implementation, increased political representation, and decision-making power for women, as well as greater funding for feminist movements and cross-border solidarity to amplify women’s voices and protect activists.
Meanwhile, Women Radio 91.7 remains steadfast in its commitment to driving change for women across Africa, through initiatives like Beijing +30: Voices of Change, Stories of Progress, while the station continues to amplify critical conversations and advocate for gender equality.
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