Joining our peers in prioritising Spaces, Solidarity and Solutions.

17-20 July 2023 | Kigali, Rwanda

Fondation Botnar is excited to be attending the Women Deliver Conference this year, held in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference is an internationally renowned gathering focused on gender equality, health, and the rights and wellbeing of girls and women.

The event aims to advance gender equality by bringing together leaders (in all their forms) and advocates via these five objectives:

1. Catalyze Collective Action to Advance Gender Equality
2. Hold Leaders Accountable
3. Empower the Feminist Movement
4. Reframe Who Leads
5. Create Space

On this page, you will find an overview of our key engagements, from the plans for our booth to the sessions from the packed agenda that we’re participating in.

We look forward to connecting with you there.

Handing over our exhibition space
Creating space & reframing who leads at booth number 17+18, Akagera

At booth number 17+18, Akagera, we are taking a new approach to amplify the voices of young people. Our exhibition space will be transformed into a pop-up radio booth. #RisingMinds will showcase young people’s efforts to shape conversations on topics impacting their wellbeing.

Over three days, #RisingMinds will explore critical issues such as mental health, digital rights, and adolescent health and wellbeing. Tune in to thought-provoking interviews, live discussions, and solution-led conversations between young people.

Tuesday, 18th July: Rising Minds covers mental health
How can we promote mental wellbeing and support for young people?

Wednesday, 19th July: Rising Minds takes on digital rights
How can we create a safer, more equitable online space where young people can thrive in the digital age?

Thursday, 20th July: Rising Minds advocates for adolescent health and wellbeing
How do we work together to make sure young people have everything that’s needed to thrive in secure and healthy relationships?

Conference participants can listen and contribute to the radio show from our booth (Akagera 17+18).

It will also be streamed from the Youth Zone on KCC Rooftop, as well as online here.

For more details on how we’ve co-designed a radio pop-up with young people and some of our partners, check out our latest blog from the project lead, Theresa Budzinski!

Collaborating with our partners for more inclusive and equitable futures.
Catalyzing collective action at Women Deliver side sessions

Tuesday, 18th July
Addressing young mothers’ mental health needs
With United for Global Mental Health

Head to: MH1.2 at 15.30 -17.00

What?
Shedding light on the mental health needs of young mothers. In collaboration with United for Global Mental Health, this session will provide insights from young women with lived experiences, offering solutions and guidance for supporting pregnant teenagers and young mothers’ mental health.

Who?

• Aviwe Funani – United for Global Mental Health
• Esther Mamba – Children and Adolescents Are My Priority (CHAMP) Programme Linkage Assistant, Mothers2Mothers, South Africa
• Marijke Wijnroks is Head of the Strategic Investment and Impact Division at the Global Fund.
• Hauwa Ojeifo – She Writes Woman, mental health activist with a focus on young women, Nigeria
• Aline Cossy-Gantner – Chief Development Officer, Fondation Botnar

Wednesday, 19th July
Ctrl+Alt+Advocate: Youth-led Online Activism for Digital Rights
With Amnesty International, GNP+ and Restless Development.

Head to: AD11 at 11:30 -13:00

What?
Delving into the challenges and opportunities of the digital world for young people, this session focuses on issues including online violence, privacy breaches, and restricted self-expression.

You will see a showcase of the work of young activists and organisations who are working to hold Big Tech and governments to account in creating safe and inclusive digital spaces.

Who?

• Hallima Nyota, Amnesty International Digital Disruptor, Linda Data campaign in Kenya
• Rowella “Owe” Marri, Amnesty International
• Maria Malomalo, Restless Development
• Nomtika Mjwana, Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)
• Marwa Azelmat, Women Deliver Young Leader
• Hashas Rage, Amnesty International
• Theresa Budzinski, Fondation Botnar

Register now here.

We are lucky to be supported by additional team members Samira and Szandra to help realise our Rising Minds booth.