AfWID commitment: I am the one Africa has been waiting for

On 31 January 2025 at the closing ceremony of African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) 3 forum, over 1,200 women from 54 African countries came together to adopt a bold, personal declaration: “I Am the One Africa Has Been Waiting For.” This commitment is a collective pledge to act with intention, accountability, and courage in advancing the rights, power, and agency of African women. Grounded in healing, solidarity, and feminist action, it affirms that the future we seek begins with the steps each of us is willing to take — right now, right where we are.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

I commit to actively seeking credible, verified information, continuously educating myself about the African Women’s Movement and sharing this knowledge responsibly. I understand that our collective power lies in the sharing of truth and the voices of women, and I will prioritise the dissemination of verified, relevant information to empower women in my community.

Healing and Acknowledging Trauma

I acknowledge that we all carry intergenerational trauma, and if we are to engage effectively, we must first address this pain. I commit to supporting healing processes, understanding that true change begins with personal healing and collective empathy. I will foster environments where women can safely share our experiences, and where healing becomes a part of the dialogue and activism I engage in.

Advocacy for Displaced Women

I will advocate for displaced women, particularly those affected by migration, ensuring they have access to the resources, rights, and support they need. I will create and participate in platforms for our voices to be heard and work to eliminate the barriers to our freedom and opportunities. My advocacy will be grounded in the recognition of our inherent dignity, and I will fight for our empowerment wherever possible.

Inclusion and Personal Accountability

I commit to being inclusive and promoting diversity. I commit to thinking “woman first” in everything I do. I will act in solidarity with African women by supporting one another in tangible, meaningful ways. I will not wait for government action but will take personal responsibility for making the changes I wish to see. Collective change starts with my individual actions, and I will use my influence to bring about the positive transformation we seek.

Championing Peace and Solidarity

I will advocate for women’s inclusion in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, ensuring our voices are heard in negotiations, from grassroots to high-level discussions. I will foster solidarity across borders, supporting African women in conflict zones, and ensure that my actions reflect the values of peace, unity, and collective progress.

Strengthening the African Women’s Movement

I commit to being an active participant in the African Women’s Movement, ensuring it remains inclusive, dynamic, and responsive to the diverse needs of African women. I will support the creation of a unified platform for collective advocacy, strengthening women’s voices across the continent and recognising that the movement is as much about individual action as it is about collective change.

Sustainable Solutions for Food Sovereignty

I will support women’s involvement in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty, advocating for policies that prioritise agroecology and women’s leadership in ecological justice. I will promote education around these issues and ensure that my actions reflect a commitment to protecting indigenous seeds, empowering women farmers, and fostering resilience in Africa’s food systems.

Economic Empowerment of Women

I will promote financial literacy and independence for African women, supporting initiatives that equip women with the tools and resources to thrive. I will resist patriarchal economic systems and advocate for policies that empower women economically. My personal commitment to economic justice begins at home, by teaching financial literacy and fostering economic independence in my community.

Protection and Safety of Women

I will advocate for stronger laws to protect women from violence and ensure that women’s safety is prioritised in conflict zones and beyond. I will act in solidarity with survivors of violence, providing both practical and emotional support where needed. My commitment to protecting women begins with ensuring safe spaces in my own life and community.

Empowerment Through My Voice and Networks

I recognise the power of my voice and networks as tools to advocate for women’s rights. I will use my influence to amplify the voices of African women, supporting solidarity and collective action. I understand that leadership emerges from shared responsibility, and I commit to taking action that furthers the cause of gender equality.