In 2025, the world marked thirty years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) — the global commitment that put gender equality and women’s rights at the centre of sustainable development. For Africa, this milestone came with deep reflection on progress and persisting challenges, particularly for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).
Tag a Life International (TaLI), through its AGYW Africa platform, convened young women from across the continent to contribute to these reflections ahead of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The resulting report, “The Road to CSW69 and Beyond,” captures their insights, aspirations, and urgent calls for action.
The engagements provided a space for girls and young women from Southern and Eastern Africa to discuss how climate change, humanitarian crises, and structural inequalities continue to impact their rights and futures. Women remain at the heart of food security, caregiving, and environmental resilience, yet face the triple burden of inequality, climate vulnerability, and displacement.
Grounded in the spirit of solidarity and hunhu/ubuntu, the report outlines key strategies — from gender-responsive climate adaptation to girls’ education recovery and women’s economic empowerment. It calls for stronger accountability from governments and institutions, urging that the promises of Beijing+30 be matched with resources and action.
As the world prepares for CSW69 and looks toward 2030, AGYW Africa reminds us that sustainable change must be inclusive, intersectional, and youth-led. Their voices are not only shaping the global agenda but are redefining what leadership and equality look like across Africa.