About · Statute
The Young Women of Africa (YWOA) is a continental movement dedicated to advancing the leadership, empowerment, and socio-economic development of young women and girls across Africa. Founded on the belief that young women are essential drivers of sustainable development, democratic governance, and social transformation, YWOA works to create opportunities that enable young women to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities, nations, and the African continent.
YWOA operates in more than 40 African countries, bringing together young women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, activists, and community changemakers through a shared commitment to gender equality, youth development, and inclusive growth. The organization serves as a platform for leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, skills-building, networking, and civic engagement.
“To unite, empower, and mobilize young women across Africa to drive positive change, promote gender equality, social justice, and human rights, and amplify their voices and contributions to Africa's development.”
An Africa where young women lead.
- 01An Africa where young women are empowered, valued, and recognized as leaders and change-makers, driving transformative social, economic, and political change.
- 02To build a better Africa for young women and the girl child.
- 03Striving for the emancipation of women and our social economic development in the continent.
- 04Incubate and develop young women leadership and second layer leadership.
- 05Establish a grassroots African movement that places young women at the centre of their own development.
- 06Bring an end to xenophobia, regionalism, racism, patriarchy and all forms of oppression and injustice.
- 07Work with progressive organisations on the continent to fight for gender equality.
What binds us.
Solidarity
We believe in the power of solidarity and collective action among young women.
Empowerment
Empowering young women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to drive change.
Inclusivity
A platform that is inclusive, diverse, and representative of all young women in Africa.
Social Justice
Promoting social justice, human rights, and gender equality in all aspects of African society.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and strive for transparency and integrity.
Four colours. One story.
Each colour in the YWOA emblem is defined by the statute. Every shade carries a continental meaning.
Red
#C8102E
The blood of our fallen martyrs that fought for the liberation of our continent and the blood of African women that continues to be spilled due to war, injustices and violation.
Green
#006B3F
The natural resources and vegetation of Africa. We wish for Africa and her children to use their natural resources for her development and growth.
Orange
#F5A800
The mineral resources of Africa. We will work for an Africa that fights to keep its resources in the continent and open up free continental trade, manufacturing, production, and industrialisation.
Black
#1A1A1A
The people of Africa, in particular the women.
From founding to statute.
2021
Movement Established
Young Women of Africa (YWOA) established on 11 December 2021.
2022
Continental Footprint
Country chapters begin organising across the African regions.
2024
Statute Adopted
Adopted on 12 December 2024 at the 4th Annual Continental Convention, African Union HQ, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2026
46 Country Chapters
46 country chapters active across Central, East, North, Southern and West Africa.
How we meet, decide, and report.
Every 5 Years
Continental Young Women Assembly
The highest decision-making body of the YWOA Movement. Elects leadership, amends the statute, and adopts policy positions. Decisions are binding on all member countries.
Between Assemblies
Mid-Term Continental Assembly
Seats between five-year continental young women assemblies. Receives reports, recommends statute and leadership amendments.
Annually
Annual Continental Convention
Receives reports, adopts the programme of action, and makes recommendations to the Continental Young Women Assembly.
Every 3 Years
Regional Assemblies
Elect regional leadership, receive reports, adopt regional programmes of action.
Annually
Country Assemblies
Elect country leadership, receive reports and adopt country programmes of action.
Monthly (Virtual)
Continental Executive Meeting
Coordinates the work of YWOA, oversees programmes and campaigns of the movement.
Monthly (External)
Bilateral Meeting
External engagement with partner organisations, governments and stakeholders.
Quarterly
Regional Executive Meeting
Quarterly coordination of the regional executives across each region.