World Vision Zambia Hosts the African Union Gender Observatory Workshop
By Christabel Mundike, Communications, Zambia
World Vision Zambia, in collaboration with the African Union Commission's Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development Child Protection Unit, recently hosted a three-day workshop in Lusaka. The primary goal of the workshop was to integrate traditional and socially harmful practices into the agenda of the African Union Gender Observatory (AUGO). It aimed to outline strategies for sensitizing children about the AU Gender Observatory and incorporating indicators for ending harmful practices with the active participation of stakeholders and partners.
World Vision Zambia Child Protection and Safeguarding Manager Michael Musumali commended the workshop for its excellence.
“The workshop facilitated valuable lessons shared across countries and organizations,” said Mr. Musumali.
For World Vision Zambia, the workshop was an excellent opportunity to enhance skills in programming related to gender issues, child protection, and youth initiatives.
“We gained insights into industry standards at both global and regional levels, which will inform our strategy at World Vision Zambia. Additionally, the discussions on traditional harmful practices affecting the development and survival of African children and women were particularly impactful.”
The African Union came on board to share some of the plans that they have towards harmonizing data sources across African Countries which is affecting the development of the growth of children and women.
Nana Tundu from the African Union Department of Health Humanitarian affairs and social development emphasized that the African Union Gender Observatory is a mechanism designed to track indicators related to gender issues, including the elimination of harmful practices.
“Our goal is to share these indicators with member states and monitor their progress at the national level,” Tundu said. She emphasized the importance of addressing traditional harmful practices, noting, “These practices disproportionately impact children, particularly girls and young women. Practices such as child marriage expose children to significant risks, undermining their future prospects and overall well-being.”
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda, Liberia and Zambia. They all came to share different experiences around gender issues, and Happinessviolence against children.
The event also featured children from Impact+ clubs and young journalists involved in World Vision Zambia’s Area Programmes, fostering a more inclusive approach.
Hapiness, a young journalist from Choongo/Magoye Area Program in Monze, expressed her gratitude to World Vision for including her in the workshop.
“As a child, I know I am not in this fight alone. Being part of this workshop has shown me that there are many people and organizations working together to make a difference. It gives me hope and strength to continue advocating for the rights of children and to be part of the solution to ending harmful practices. Knowing that my voice matters," she said.
Monica Mukazi, Government Relations and Partnering Advisor for World Vision Rwanda, shared her key takeaway from the workshop:
“It has been incredibly impactful to witness young people actively voicing their concerns about the issues that affect them, particularly harmful practices. Their involvement highlights the importance of addressing these issues effectively and ensuring their inclusion in the African Union Gender Observatory. This engagement not only amplifies their perspectives but also strengthens our collective efforts to create meaningful change.”
