YOUNG AFRICAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP RAISE AWARENESS ON UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEV’T GOALS

By Ranibelle Sato*

YAWL GHANA: EDUCATING ORPHANS

On the sidelines of commemoration of World Merit Day 2016, the Young African Women in Leadership, YAWL, in some of its 36 member states organised and raised awareness on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. 

The objective was to join World Merit day celebrants, other organisations and individuals, to conduct a survey on the knowledge and possible efforts at realising the SDGs goals, for a better world for all by 2030.

During the commemoration at the Yaoundé I university Campus, July 23 2016, YAWL Cameroon team laid emphasis on goal 4 of the SDG, (quality education), 5 (gender Equality) and 10 (reduce inequalities). 

YAWL (YAOUNDE) CAMEROON: MORE WOMEN IN POWER

Mention was also made, on the need for more attention to be paid to the sustainability of the environment and the effects of climate change. After filling the survey forms, participants expressed their desire to know more about the global goals and take part in special domains of interests.

YAWL Cameroon’s scribe, Beryl Anwie said the number of women in decision making  positions in Cameroon still leaves much to be desired. She added that equal opportunities for all will enable Cameroonian women expose their talents and contribute to nation building and its emergence vision by 2035.

YAWL YAOUNDE : WE MUST BE EMPOWERED 

Mbuh Glory who is YAWL Cameroon’s spokesperson, said the country is still faced with the problem of climate change because of temperature increase, increase in use of pesticides, sea level, deforestation and pollution. 

She said there was need to plant more trees, recycle home wastes, plug off our appliances when not in use, as part of solutions.

In Ghana, YAWL Team  visited King Jesus Charity home in Kumasi –Boadi, to support the kids with some school uniforms and groceries and used the opportunity to sensitize them on the SDGs and the need for quality health care, education and gender equality. 

YAWL GHANA: FOOD FOR ORPHANS

YAWL Ghana's country representative, Naomi Kokuro and the country's program coordinator, Salome Adu emphasized the need for peace in Ghana,  especially as the country is in a crucial electoral year. Naomi said they would be organising advocacy campaigns in that regard, and ensure proper health care is provided in respect of goal 3 (quality health care), 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).

Young African Women in Leadership, YAWL is a non-profit organisation manned by young African female entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals, committed to the empowerment, development and promotion of equality in Africa. 

One of its objectives is to educate and empower young women and girls on relevant social, economic and political issues as well as increase entrepreneurship, civic engagement and leadership among young African women.

*Guest Reporter, Country Director, YAWL Cameroon.