Morocco has officially launched the African Network for Women’s Empowerment during a major forum held on Tuesday in the city of Salé, near Rabat.
The new platform aims to strengthen the socio-economic participation of African women through sustainable partnerships between women’s associations across the continent.
The initiative was unveiled at the African Forum for Women’s Empowerment, organised by the National Union of Moroccan Women (UNFM) under the theme “Empowering African Women: A Pillar of Social Justice and Sustainable Transformation of the Continent.”
Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Naima Ben Yahya, described the creation of the network as “a lever for the empowerment of African women,” adding that it would contribute to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic and social development.
She stated that “African women are not only actors of development but also pillars of family cohesion and societal stability.”
The forum provided an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to women’s empowerment, assess progress made in various sectors, identify remaining challenges, and determine the best ways to address them, the minister noted.
Nicole Mokolo Mangaya, President of the Group of African Ambassadors’ Spouses in Morocco (GEAAM), said the establishment of the network would help implement the recommendations of the Beijing Declaration and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 on gender equality.
She added that the initiative represents “an African platform for exchange, cooperation, and action in support of the continent’s development.”
UNFM Vice-President Amina Oufroukhi emphasised that the network’s launch forms part of the historic cooperation between the Union and African women’s associations. She highlighted the role of the UNFM as a national pioneer with a strong regional and continental influence.
The forum’s opening session featured the signing of framework partnership agreements between the UNFM and GEAAM to enhance collaboration in promoting women’s empowerment throughout Africa.
Despite progress, African women still face numerous obstacles limiting their access to formal and well-paid employment. Many continue to struggle for stability and independence in their lives.
Economic empowerment, experts say, is vital not only for achieving gender equality but also for combating poverty.
By providing women with access to financial resources, training, and employment opportunities, the new network aims to help them become key contributors to the continent’s economic and social transformation.
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