Empowering futures: Insights from the 1st AU Pan-African conference on girls and women's education

The 1st African Union Pan-African Conference on Girls and Women's Education (AU/PANCOGEd), held from 2 - 5 July 2024, in Addis Ababa, marked a significant step towards advancing educational opportunities for girls and women across the continent. Organised by the African Union Department of Education, the event gathered educators, policymakers, and researchers to address challenges, share innovative solutions, and foster collaborative efforts to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for girls and women on the continent.

Jane Kelly, Senior Research Officer at the Adolescent Accelerators Research Hub, attended this groundbreaking conference. During the event, she gave a presentation on “What works in supporting Adolescent and Young Mothers in their health and educational journey?”. This session showcased cutting-edge evidence and multi-sectoral approaches to empower adolescent and young mothers, addressing their physical and mental health.

The session fostered dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. A joint statement from UNESCOand UNICEF, with contributions from the Adolescent Accelerators Research Hub team, highlighted the importance of tailored interventions for young mothers, emphasising their critical role in Africa’s future. Read the full joint statement supporting the education and health of young mothers in Africa.