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A new Africa beckons, one that fosters high visibility, maximum impact and borderless bonds. This is evident in the take-off of the Africa Continental Free Trade- a phenomenon that will not only unify Africa but also offers more opportunities for everyone
As a leading organization that seeks to connect people in the media space to opportunities, AWIM is positioned on the cutting edge of this awakening. To this end, the AWIM19 conference partnered with African Union-the visionary of the AGENDA 2063 to create awareness, showcase and equip women in media for global impact.
The conference witnessed the launch of the AWIM Awards- an event which marked the commencement of some programs tied to the AGENDA 2063 of the African Union. The AWIM Awards was originally set up to celebrate high fliers in media; it also doubled as a platform to showcase media stories that beamed the spotlight on the dawn of the new Africa. Consequently, the award categories got their names from the different touchpoints and programs of AGENDA 2063.
The SDGs and AFRICA UNION’s AGENDA 2063
For many years, SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) have remained a major foundation upon which many visions locally and internationally are founded. The AGENDA 2063 from the African Union is an extension of the SDGs focused on showcasing Africa to the world as the destination for global power and investment opportunities. This strategic plan from seed to full implementation has about 13 fast track programmes and projects- each one addressing key areas of concern in the African and global space. This blueprint was set up by the African Union to facilitate growth and development through individual work and collaboration between the public, private sectors and the civil society while opening up investment opportunities for the discerning.
THE AWARD CATEGORIES
All five categories under which media stories were pitched at the conference echoed the African Union’s AGENDA 2063. The initiatives from which the award categories received their names include:
Here is the video of the award ceremony
At the Award ceremony, Ms Ouriatou Danfakha, Senior Policy Officer at Chairperson’s Office, Commission of the African Union shared the criteria for picking the winners.
“The story we picked stands out from the others because it presents two perspectives when it comes to the role of Women in Conflict in Africa. The positive and negative roles. It is well established that women are victims and can play a crucial role and must be included in all peace resolution processes, as called for in UN resolution 1325, but what is not well known is the fact that more and more women are actors and perpetrators of conflicts in Africa.”
“These stories must be told (why and how to resolve) if we want to tackle the issue and come up with a sustainable solution”
“Because the realization of the “Africa We Want” and efforts towards peace and security cannot be attained without the meaningful participation and leadership of women”
As the award winners put the grant to good use to create these stories, their experiences are testaments to the opportunities the new Africa presents for everyone-showcasing how the Agenda 2063 is not only the blueprint for development, gender equality and newness but also an affirmation of how women in media can find their place and play their part to the hilt through strategic partnerships and laser-sharp focus.
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