From March 13-14, 2019, the Gender Center for Empowering Development (GenCED) and African Movement for Democracy kicked off the “Breaking Barriers” campaign — a program designed to inspire young women to overcome social barriers and participate in politics. Over the course of two days, young women who were identified as community leaders in West Africa had the opportunity to learn from experienced female politicians how to effectively engage in politics. At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants launched a platform called the West African Young Women in Politics Forum, through which they will continue to support one another in advancing young women’s political participation.

In the coming months, GenCED will facilitate this platform by hosting monthly online discussions with the young participants and by linking them to ongoing initiatives with women in politics in their respective countries. The participants will also join GenCED in launching a coordinated media campaign through call-in radio shows and by producing short digital stories to inform the broader public about the contribution young women can make to politics and society if well-equipped. Keep up with the “Breaking Barriers” campaign by following GenCED on Twitter and Facebook!