On 21 March 2024, the Africa Leadership Foundation (ALF) in collaboration with Oxfam in Africa launched the African Youth Network of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work Advocates (AYNUA).

The launch of AYNUA is a watershed and auspicious moment for ALF’s advocacy work on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) in Africa. This network will provide a platform for young advocates to champion important issues surrounding UCDW, empowering them to drive positive change in their various communities across the continent.

The first and the foundational cohort consists of 64 members from 53 organizations and institutions located in 16 African countries.

The Network was unveiled by Oxfam in Africa Regional Director Fati N’zi-Hassane. The launch was also graced by Director Prudence Ngwenya of the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate of the African Union Commission, who spoke about how UCDW remains a major obstacle to achieving gender equality in the continent.

According to Dr. Olumide Ajayi of ALF: “We intend to build the capacity of these young advocates to become change agents as we continue our campaign for a just and equitable Africa.”