Remembering the All Anglophone Conference (AAC) in Men Voices?

 

 Once again, 20 years after the famous AAC, patriarchs are remembered. As usual, women’s effortless contribution in moving the Anglophones agenda forward is ignored.

In the same manner, throughout the entire All Anglophone Conference (AAC) 1 & 2, women voices were never heard. Their Stories went untold.  Or would they say – women sat at the back seats and couldn’t speak with heavy voice like their male counterpart.  Even as they cried so loud for their sons, brothers, husbands, male children and friends subjected to severe torture and inhumane practices.

Yes! It is 20 years after the AAC, so what about the distraught women, widows, grandmothers, sisters and girlfriends who fought fervently alongside the men?  What about the women and girls at the grassroots, whosacrificed their lives, time and services for the good of AAC? What about the women who spent their early morning hours, decorating the conference hall, cooking for the AAC participants. Just how they cooked for the men incarceratedso theyshould not starve to death. Again, what about the women who stayedat home throughout that timebabysitting, and also caring for the family, in-laws andthe entire household? 

Remembering the All Anglophone Conference (AAC) in men voices tells a single story of the struggle. The danger of a single story, like the famous Nigerian Storyteller, Chimamanda Adichie said; it promotes stereotypes, and can be catastrophic and impressionable for a society. 

This article was previously published on The Post Newspaper No. 01423 Monday, April 8, 2013. An opinion expressed in respond to an earlier edition (Friday, April 6, 2013) remembering the AAC

Youth’s Time at the 2012 Mo Ibrahim Forum!

 For the first time at the Mo Ibrahim Forum, youth had the spotlight.

November 0 7 - 12, 2012, I was privileged to be part of the Youth Delegate  shortlisted, following a rigorous and competitive selection process, to represent the youth-led development agency, RestlessDevelopment at the 2012 Ibrahim Forum in Dakar, Senegal.

Attended by over 400 high profile guests from civil society, youth-led organisations, government, business enterprises, UN and multi-lateral institutions from across the world; African [world] leaders discussed in depth on how to address some of the most pressing issues pertaining to African youth, that is youth employment, education and civic participation; with emphasis on how to transform youth energy into meaningful use.  

My time spent while in Dakar, as a restless youth delegate trained by Restless development is an experience never to forget. It was fun, empowering and transforming.  And above all, was the opportunity I had to share experience with youth activists, engage with some high profile persons across Africa as well as adding my voice in the debate on how young people can bring about social/community good.

Even after all, the question remains – how youth employment and education be improved?  

Do young people have the necessary skills and knowledge to compete at the global scale? Yes! The time is now to translate youth potential into meaningful use.

The Ibrahim Forum is an annual high profile discussion meeting, which brings high profile guests across Africa and the world; to discussed and debate about Africa leadership and democracy.  The forum over the years has awarded prizes for achievement in good leadership and democratic governance to African Heads of States. Previous laureates include President Joaquim Chissano (2007), President Festus Mogae (20008) and President Nelson Mandela (Honorary). Though in this year’s forum – no Africa Head of State was qualified to win the Mo Ibrahim prestigious award. However, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu received the 2012 honorary award for speaking and standing for truth and Justice.