In the Sahel region, particularly in Mali and Niger, a new generation of young feminist leaders is driving gender transformative change in education. Supported by the Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI), coordinated by UNGEI and funded, among others, by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), these young activists are not just participants — they are pioneers who play a crucial role in planning and implementing inclusive educational policies.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
At the heart of the movement are the National Feminist Youth Coalitions for Gender Transformative Education — part of the global youth-led network Transform Education. Their mission is to amplify the voices of young feminists in educational decision-making, foster solidarity among activists, and integrate gender expertise rooted in lived experiences into the education sector.
Through collaboration with Ministries of Education, civil society, and young feminists, GCI actively supports these coalitions in embedding gender equality within education sector planning. By partnering with young feminists, UNGEI is strengthening intergenerational dialogue around gender-transformative education and ensuring that young people are leading the change.
"I am committed to creating a more equal world through the national youth coalition for gender transformative education."
— Sira Sojourner Toure
Promising Beginnings
In Niger, the first Feminist Youth Coalition for Gender Transformative Education was launched on June 20, 2023, bringing together thirty young leaders. They discussed the challenges in their fight for gender equality, shared experiences, and established a platform for advocacy and mutual support. Notably, the coalition has already integrated into Local Education Group (LEG) meetings, allowing them to leverage this platform as a consultative voice for the Ministry of Education and contribute to GPE processes.
In Mali, a similar coalition was launched in August 2023. These young feminists developed an action plan for community advocacy and peer support, earning official representation in the Local Education Group.
Today, these coalitions are key players in the education sector, providing expertise, testimonies, and personal experiences to influence educational policies. Furthermore, they stimulate dialogue on harmful gender norms and girls' education within their own communities.
An Inspiring Movement
In July 2024, four members from the Niger and Mali coalitions represented their peers in the African Union’s first Pan-African Conference on Girls' and Women's Education, held in Addis Ababa. They participated in high-level panels and brought the voices of young feminists from the Sahel to a global audience.
“The creation of this national youth coalition opens new perspectives for promoting inclusive education."
— Zeina Mohamed Ali
Through the GCI initiative, UNGEI plans to support more young feminist coalitions in other countries, strengthening young feminist leadership for gender equality in education. Join us in supporting these young leaders. Follow their journey, amplify their voices, and be part of the movement for gender equality in education.
