Key information
Research track: Track 1 – Show us the public money
Countries: Sudan, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Kenya
Researchers: Yasmina Benslimane and Marie-Simone Kadurira
Advocacy Summary
Young Feminist Organizations (YFOs) across Africa are central to the pursuit of gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV). By centering youth-led activism and community-driven approaches, they mobilize grassroots communities, challenge oppressive power structures, and champion inclusive policies. However, these organizations face persistent structural barriers—patriarchal norms, political instability, restrictive legal frameworks, and minimal financial support—that impede their impact.
Recommendations
- Governments: Remove legal barriers, allocate budget lines specifically for YFOS, and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure transparent distribution of funds.
- Multilateral Institutions and Philanthropy: Allocate earmarked funding for YFOs, lower administrative hurdles, and embed capacity-building support into grant programs.
- Private Sector: Invest in CSR portfolios prioritizing feminist initiatives; provide mentorship, pro bono services, and inclusive workplace policies to embed gender equality.
- Civil Society: Include YFOs in coalitions and leadership spaces, facilitate cross-regional knowledge exchange, and document effective grassroots strategies to shape policy debates.
By addressing systemic funding gaps, building cross-sector partnerships, and centering youth-led feminist leadership, we can create equitable, community-driven solutions to end GBV and advance gender equality across Africa.
Authors
Yasmina Benslimane
Yasmina Benslimane is a feminist advocate and founder of Politics4Her, a platform dedicated to amplifying the political participation of young women and fostering inclusive leadership. With experience in global advocacy and youth engagement, Yasmina has consulted and advised leading feminist organizations and funds, including Vital Voices, Equal Measures 2030, SheDecides, the World YWCA, the United Nations (UN) Spotlight Initiative, and the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund. Her expertise spans capacity-building, feminist policymaking, and advancing women’s rights globally.
Marie-Simone Kadurira
Marie-Simone Kadurira founded Vasikana Vedu, a nonprofit organization that addresses menstrual health and empowers marginalized communities in Zimbabwe. Marie-Simone’s work integrates advocacy, education, and resource distribution, impacting thousands of individuals globally. She has collaborated with organizations such as Womankind Worldwide, UN Women, and Equal Measures 2030, specializing in the prevention of gender-based violence and feminist movement-building
