What does it take to build an education system that leaves no learner behind? That question guided the conversations in Nairobi at the FemNet4GTE 2025 Regional Action Workshop, where FAWEZI joined partners to chart a feminist, inclusive path forward.

In August, Nairobi hosted the Feminist Network for Gender Transformative Education (FemNet4GTE) 2025 Regional Action Workshop, which brought together governments, civil society, youth leaders, academics, and development partners from across Africa. The two-day convening served as a critical platform for reimagining education as a force for gender justice and equality.

FAWEZI’s Executive Director, Lydia Madyirapanze, represented Dr. Martha R. L. Muhwezi, FAWE Africa’s Executive Director, during the official opening. Delivering remarks on behalf of FAWE Africa, acknowledged the diverse stakeholders in attendance, noting that their presence “reflected a shared commitment to transforming education for gender equality.”

Education as Reparative Justice

As regional co-leads of FemNet4GTE, FAWE highlighted the urgency of positioning education as a tool for reparative justice, in line with the African Union’s 2025 theme on reparations and justice.

Lydia emphasized that “when young people feel safe, valued, and supported to know their rights, they are more likely to stay in school, delay early marriage, acquire skills, and build livelihoods that transform their lives and communities.”

FAWEZI joined partners in calling for decisive action to:

• Embed feminist principles in education systems

• Tackle structural barriers

• Amplify young feminist voices

• Ensure that no learner is left behind

Highlights from Day 2

The second day of the workshop deepened reflections and commitments, centering on courage, solidarity, and collective action.

• Selina Nkoile of the Nashipai Maasai Project shared her inspiring story of resisting FGM and breaking barriers to girls’ education.

• A moving solidarity circle allowed participants to reflect, share experiences, and reconnect with their purpose.

• Prof. Elvis Fokala from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria drew attention to the General Comment on Education, which identifies harmful cultural, social, religious, and economic practices that undermine children’s right to learn. He urged participants to leverage this tool to push for equality in and through education.

The FemNet4GTE 2025 Regional Action Workshop proved to be more than just a convening. It became a catalyst for shaping national, regional, and continental strategies to make gender transformative education a reality across Africa.

For FAWEZI, participation in this regional space reaffirmed its mission: to ensure that every girl, every young woman, and every learner in Africa has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and lead.

The conversations and commitments from Nairobi now stand as building blocks toward an education system across Africa that is feminist, inclusive, and transformative.