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McKenzie unveils R6.3 billion budget to boost local talent in sports and arts

Source: Government of South Africa

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has tabled a R6.3 billion budget this morning that he believes will help unlock local talent in both the sports, and arts and culture sectors.

“Change is difficult, but it’s necessary… Access and opportunity matter, and even the greatest of talents need that opportunity. That is why, to invest in all our talent, both in sport, and arts and culture, as well as preserving our heritage, the department has a budget of R6.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year,” McKenzie said on Tuesday in Parliament. 

Under Programme 2, Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, the Minister announced that the department will allocate R1.281 billion. 

To continue supporting sports in the country, McKenzie said R98.5 million will be allocated toward federation support.

“One of the biggest changes coming for our federations will be the provision of an office building for them to share, as many have been running their sports out of the boots of their cars.” 

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To support and develop local talent, the department has allocated over R627 million through the conditional grant for this financial year. 

According to the Minister, funding will be used for the purchase of equipment and attire for schools, clubs and hubs, as well as for training individuals in coaching, technical officiating, administration courses, and employment opportunities.

Repatriation

Under Programme 4, Heritage Promotion and Preservation, the department has allocated R2.787 billion, which includes R1.6 billion for the construction, maintenance, upgrading, and operation of valued libraries.

“Following the success of our inaugural programme to return the remains of South African fallen heroes from Zimbabwe and Zambia last year, we shall continue to repatriate the human remains of freedom fighters who fell outside the country during the struggle.

“I am told that there could still be 5 000 bodies that need to be returned, and we should not rest until they are home.” 

READ | Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

The Minister said they are currently negotiating with Scottish authorities to repatriate the remains of Khoi and San ancestors from the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum by September 2025. 

He also mentioned that government is nearing the conclusion of the reburial process for 58 ancestral remains from the Northern Cape.

This effort is guided by the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team, which includes representatives from the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities.

Museums

The ministry is also driving a campaign, under the theme: “Reimagining South African Heritage for a New Era”, which is aimed at making museums relevant to a new, curious generation, ultimately increasing visitor numbers.

“One of the first projects we are focusing on is Robben Island, which is undergoing a major revamp and facelift.”

Creative arts

Under Programme 3, focused on Arts and Culture Promotion and Development, his department is allocating R1.725 billion. 

To enhance skills and transform the cultural and creative industries, he stated that they will continue to recruit and place approximately 300 young people. 

This initiative aims to improve their chances of gaining employment and becoming self-employed in creative fields.

Sector clusters

He announced that the interim boards for the 17 sector clusters within the cultural and creative industry are now fully operational. 

These boards are responsible for organising their respective sectors, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges such as copyright protection, fair labour practices, and equitable distribution of funding. 

According to the Minister, they will receive a total budget of R34 million to support their operations.

“We understand the frustration of our creatives. For the past 30 years and the years before that, they have not seen their lives change for the better.”

In support of the preservation and development of the Khoi and San languages, the N|uu language in particular, the department is setting aside R2 million for a targeted call for proposals to preserve these languages. – SAnews.gov.za

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Journée mondiale des compétences des jeunes : Pour Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya, Intelligence Artificielle (IA) est un formidable outil pour transformer le bétail des éleveuses africaines en source de financement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Un chemin de terre au Kenya. Une chaleur lourde pèse sur la savane environnante. Un agent de crédit s’approche d’un troupeau de bœufs, et dégaine un smartphone de sa poche. Aux côtés de la propriétaire, une femme au regard fier et méfiant, il photographie un mufle. À des centaines de kilomètres de là, un algorithme d’intelligence artificielle vient de transformer cet animal en un actif bancaire.

Cette scène illustre la révolution silencieuse menée par Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya. Cette jeune ingénieure congolaise a décidé de s’attaquer à un paradoxe qui bloque des millions de femmes vivant en zones rurales dans la précarité. Le défi est à une échelle vertigineuse. L’Afrique subsaharienne compte environ 200 millions de petits exploitants agricoles, dont une part importante pratique l’élevage. Les femmes représentent jusqu’à 60 % d’entre eux, une force économique de 80 à 120 millions d’éleveuses rurales.

Cependant, cette force est quasi invisible aux yeux du système financier. Des études menées par l’Organisation des Nations unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) montrent que les femmes ne reçoivent que 10 % des crédits destinés aux petits exploitants et à peine 1 % des crédits agricoles. Résultat ? Une écrasante majorité, estimée entre 70 et 115 millions d’entre elles, sont de fait exclues du système formel.

Leur richesse : leur troupeau, est leur compte d’épargne. Mais sans un moyen fiable de documenter leur cheptel, comment prouver la possession de dix vaches ? Les méthodes traditionnelles, comme les boucles auriculaires, sont fragiles et faciles à falsifier, rendant toute vérification par un banquier quasi impossible et transformant l’actif le plus précieux d’une femme en une garantie invalide.

« C’est en croisant ces deux réalités, à savoir un besoin de fiabilité sur le terrain et une capacité technique en interne, que l’idée a émergé : pourquoi ne pas appliquer l’IA à la reconnaissance des actifs comme le bétail ? », explique Jenny.

Sa solution, Halisi Livestock, fonctionne comme la reconnaissance faciale pour les humains. « Avec un simple smartphone, un agent de crédit peut prendre une photo du visage d’une vache, détaille-t-elle. Grâce à des algorithmes de reconnaissance biométrique, notre IA analyse les traits uniques de chaque animal et génère une identité numérique infalsifiable ».

C’est ici que les points se connectent pour déverrouiller l’accès au financement. D’abord, cette identité numérique donne à l’éleveuse un moyen légitime et incontestable de recenser et de valoriser son troupeau. Puis, cet inventaire numérique devient une preuve de possession irréfutable, transformant un actif mouvant en une garantie tangible. En d’autres termes, le troupeau devient une garantie fiable. Enfin, cette preuve de garantie, vérifiable à distance, donne le confort nécessaire aux institutions financières pour débloquer des financements.

« Pour une institution financière, ce n’est plus une estimation approximative, mais une donnée concrète et fiable. On ne parle plus d’un profil « informel », mais d’un actif numérique enregistré, vérifié et intégré dans un portefeuille structuré », résume Jenny. La confiance, bâtie sur les données, ouvre enfin les portes du crédit.

Le passage d’une innovation prometteuse à une solution à grande échelle a été réalisé grâce au programme « Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa », soutenu par AFAWA (https://apo-opa.co/4nKHta9), l’initiative de la Banque africaine de développement pour le financement en faveur des femmes en Afrique. « Notre intégration au programme a marqué un tournant dans notre parcours, reconnaît Jenny. Ce soutien nous a permis de bénéficier d’un accompagnement stratégique pour renforcer notre vision et surtout pour affiner notre produit afin d’atteindre une meilleure adéquation entre le produit et le marché ». Grâce à cet accompagnement, l’entreprise Neotex.ai qu’elle a créée, a déployé ses services dans de nouvelles zones rurales au Kenya, enregistrant plus de 1 250 têtes de bétail et prouvant la viabilité de son modèle.

Au-delà du crédit, la vision de Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya est de redéfinir la place du monde rural dans l’économie africaine. Selon elle, la technologie rend le secteur de l’élevage « visible, mesurable, modélisable » pour les investisseurs et les décideurs politiques.

Son message est double. Aux institutions financières, elle lance une invitation : il est temps d’investir « dans des économies locales à fort potentiel, souvent portées par des femmes ». Aux jeunes Africaines qui rêvent d’innover, elle offre son parcours comme une preuve. « Osez créer. Même dans les secteurs où l’on ne vous attend pas. Si je peux bâtir des solutions de rupture à partir d’un téléphone portable et d’un troupeau de vaches, vous pouvez, vous aussi, réinventer ce que personne n’a encore osé imaginer. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Note de la rédaction :
Le 15 juillet 2025 marque le 10e anniversaire de la Journée mondiale des compétences des jeunes des Nations unies. Le thème de cette année porte sur l’autonomisation des jeunes grâce à l’intelligence artificielle et aux compétences numériques.

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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Bunia : Désinformation et cohésion sociale, les jeunes en première ligne

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Ils sont 33, dont 18 jeunes filles, à avoir pris part à un atelier de renforcement des capacités organisé à l’école publique Diangenda, en partenariat avec la MONUSCO. Réunis à l’initiative de l’Union des Jeunes Engagés pour la Reconstruction du Congo (UJERCO), ces jeunes issus du quartier Lembabo, à Bunia, ont été sensibilisés à un fléau qui mine la cohésion sociale : la désinformation.

Du 14 au 16 juillet 2025, les échanges ont porté sur « le rôle des jeunes dans la construction de la paix », avec un accent particulier mis sur les effets délétères des fausses informations qui circulent sur les réseaux sociaux. Dans un contexte marqué par les tensions communautaires et les conflits armés en Ituri, cette activité vise à responsabiliser les jeunes face à leur usage du numérique.

Un fléau mondial, une menace locale

La désinformation, souvent amplifiée par les nouvelles technologies, représente une menace directe pour la paix. En Ituri, des rumeurs infondées ont déjà provoqué violences, fractures sociales et défiance envers les institutions. Sensibilisés au fonctionnement de ce phénomène, les jeunes ont appris à repérer les contenus douteux, vérifier les sources et adopter une posture critique avant de partager toute information.

« La jeunesse actuelle est particulièrement exposée aux manipulations. La désinformation peut conduire à la violence ou à des dérives comportementales. Il était donc urgent de leur en parler et de leur donner des outils pour s’en protéger », a expliqué Emmanuel Unen Can, coordonnateur de l’UJERCO.

Un engagement concret pour la paix

À l’issue de la première journée, les participants se sont engagés à relayer ce qu’ils ont appris auprès d’au moins dix personnes de leur entourage. Cette approche vise un effet multiplicateur dans les quartiers de Bunia. En adoptant un comportement plus responsable en ligne, ces jeunes deviennent des relais essentiels dans la lutte contre la propagation de fausses informations.

« Si chacun d’eux sensibilise ne serait-ce que dix ou quinze autres jeunes, cela peut réellement faire bouger les lignes », a ajouté Emmanuel Unen Can.

Un signal fort porté par les communautés

Cette activité s’inscrit dans une campagne plus large menée par la MONUSCO et ses partenaires. Le samedi précédent, une rencontre similaire avait réuni 130 jeunes musulmans, dont 80 femmes et filles, à la mosquée de la cité de Bunia. L’imam Tchomba, président de l’Union des Jeunes Musulmans pour le Développement en Ituri, s’en est félicité :
« Cette campagne nous aide à transmettre un message de paix, de vérité, et à mieux faire connaître les valeurs de l’islam. »

Adjati Saidabi Waga, conseillère provinciale en charge des femmes musulmanes, a, de son côté, salué l’initiative :
« Nous devons encourager les mamans à faire preuve de vigilance. Le partage d’informations non vérifiées peut causer beaucoup de tort. Grâce à cette sensibilisation, nous savons désormais qu’il faut prendre le temps de vérifier avant de diffuser quoi que ce soit. »

Construire un avenir en paix

En contribuant à une culture de l’information responsable, ces jeunes jouent un rôle clé dans la consolidation de la paix. L’atelier organisé à Bunia constitue une étape importante dans la mobilisation citoyenne en faveur de la vérité, de la responsabilité et du vivre-ensemble.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Marquer la Journée Internationale de la Femme 2025 : Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej et les Premières Dames d’Afrique renforcent l’autonomisation des femmes et des filles grâce à l’éducation et aux soins de santé

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, en collaboration avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique qui sont également leurs Ambassadrices, les Ministères de la Santé, de l’Éducation, de la Communication et du Genre, marquent la « Journée Internationale de la Femme 2025 », grâce à leurs programmes de développement à impact, poursuivant leur héritage de 13 ans d’autonomisation des femmes et des filles.

Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et l’Une des Femmes Africaines les Plus Influentes pendant six années consécutives (2019-2024), a déclaré : « Joyeuse Journée Internationale de la Femme à toutes les femmes et filles remarquables du monde entier !

L’autonomisation des filles et des femmes est au cœur de toutes nos initiatives et de tous nos programmes à la Fondation Merck. Je reconnais l’immense potentiel des femmes à s’épanouir, à réussir et à exceller dans tous les domaines qu’elles choisissent, mais elles manquent souvent d’un environnement propice pour réaliser pleinement leurs capacités, en particulier dans les communautés mal desservies.

C’est pourquoi, avec nos Ambassadrices, les Premières Dames d’Afrique, nous marquons chaque jour depuis 13 ans la Journée Internationale de la Femme par le biais de nos programmes et initiatives de développement tels que « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Renforcement des Capacités de la Fondation Merck », « Éduquer Linda » et « Program STIM ».

Le Programme « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck est un mouvement fort qui vise à autonomiser les femmes infertiles et sans enfant grâce à l’accès à l’information, à l’éducation et à un changement de mentalité.

« Je suis ravie d’annoncer que sur les 2 282 bourses attribuées dans 52 pays dans 44 spécialités cruciales et mal desservies, 1 046 bourses, soit près de 50 %, ont été accordées à des femmes diplômées en médecine, leur permettant ainsi de devenir de futures expertes et dirigeantes dans le domaine des soins de santé.

Je suis particulièrement fière que nous ayons accordé plus de 680 bourses à de jeunes médecins, qui se consacrent à l’amélioration de la santé des femmes en renforçant les capacités de soins en matière de reproduction, de santé sexuelle et de fertilité. »

La CEO de la Fondation Merck est convaincue que l’éducation est l’un des domaines les plus importants de l’autonomisation des femmes.

« Je suis heureuse de partager avec vous que grâce à notre programme « Éduquer Linda », avec mes chères sœurs, nos Ambassadrices, nous contribuons à l’avenir de plus de 700 filles en leur offrant des bourses pour poursuivre leurs études et en fournissant des fournitures scolaires essentielles à des milliers d’écolières dans de nombreux pays africains tels que le Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, Gambie, Nigeria, Zambie, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibie, République Démocratique du Congo, Cabo Verde et bien d’autres encore.

En outre, notre campagne de sensibilisation a bénéficié à des milliers de filles grâce à de nombreuses initiatives telles que la publication de chansons inspirantes, de livres d’histoires pour enfants, de films d’animation, de programmes télévisés et de prix pour les meilleurs médias, chansons, films et dessins de mode, tous destinés à promouvoir l’éducation des filles aujourd’hui pour l’autonomisation des femmes demain », a souligné la Sénatrice Rasha Kelej.

La Fondation Merck soutient également activement les femmes dans le domaine des sciences et de la technologie par le biais de son programme STIM et des prix annuels du Sommet de Recherche en Afrique de la Fondation Merck (MARS) qui reconnaissent et célèbrent les meilleures chercheuses africaines et les meilleurs jeunes chercheurs africains, encourageant ainsi l’excellence en matière de recherche.

« Notre objectif est d’autonomiser les femmes et les jeunes chercheurs africains, de renforcer leurs capacités de recherche et de promouvoir leurs contributions aux STIM », a souligné le Dr. Kelej.

Regardez les épisodes du programme télévisé « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » sur le soutien à l’éducation des filles :

Épisode 2: https://apo-opa.co/4mfjkXN

Épisode 11: https://apo-opa.co/46OtJ7Y

Épisode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4eOnPpH

Écoutez la chanson de la Fondation Merck sur le soutien à l’éducation des filles ici :

  1. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « Girl Can », interprétée par deux chanteurs célèbres, Irene et Cwezi, respectivement du Liberia et du Ghana : https://apo-opa.co/4eWbPm8
  2. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « Like Them », interprétée par Kenneth, un célèbre chanteur ougandais : https://apo-opa.co/4lo4Wfy
  3. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « Take me to School », interprétée par Wezi, chanteur afro-soul de Zambie, pour soutenir l’éducation des filles : https://apo-opa.co/4ePQxWU
  4. Regardez, partagez et abonnez la chanson portugaise « Tu Podes Sim », qui signifie « Oui, Tu Peux » en français, interprétée par Blaze et Tamyris Moiane, chanteurs mozambicains, en anglais ici : https://apo-opa.co/46GXwPY 
  5. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « Brighter day » de Sean K et Cwesi Oteng, respectivement de Namibie et du Ghana : https://apo-opa.co/3GInicb

Regardez les films d’animation de la Fondation Merck pour soutenir l’éducation des filles :

Une Balade vers le Futur : https://apo-opa.co/4lRcDdZ

Le Secours de Jackeline : https://apo-opa.co/3Gqi1pF

Lisez le livre d’histoires de la Fondation Merck qui aborde l’importance de l’éducation des filles :

  1. Pour lire le livre d’histoire « Éduquer Linda », veuillez consulter : https://apo-opa.co/46tUZJ9
  1. Pour lire le livre d’histoires « Le Secours de Jackeline », rendez-vous sur : https://apo-opa.co/44ulKeY
  1. Pour lire le livre d’histoires « Une Balade vers le Futur », veuillez consulter le site : https://apo-opa.co/3Io25ox
  1. Pour lire le livre d’histoires « Pas Qui Vous êtes », veuillez consulter le site : https://apo-opa.co/4lCn71q

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8
X : https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/4lu67dm

À propos de la Fondation Merck : 
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8), X (https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

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Dia Mundial das Competências dos Jovens: Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya usa a Inteligência Artificial para transformar vacas em ativos bancários que garantem mais financiamento

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Uma estrada de terra no Quénia. Um calor intenso sobre a savana circundante. Um agente de crédito aproxima-se de um rebanho de gado e tira um smartphone do bolso. Ao lado da proprietária, uma mulher de olhar orgulhoso e desconfiado, fotografa uma vaca. A centenas de quilómetros dali, um algoritmo de inteligência artificial acaba de transformar este animal num ativo bancário.

Esta cena ilustra a revolução silenciosa liderada por Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya. Esta jovem engenheira congolesa decidiu enfrentar um paradoxo que impede milhões de mulheres que vivem em zonas rurais de sair da precariedade. O desafio é gigantesco. A África subsaariana conta com cerca de 200 milhões de pequenos agricultores, dos quais uma parte significativa se dedica à pecuária. As mulheres representam até 60% deles, uma força económica de 80 a 120 milhões de criadoras rurais.

No entanto, essa força é quase invisível aos olhos do sistema financeiro. Estudos realizados pela Organização das Nações Unidas para a Alimentação e a Agricultura (FAO) mostram que as mulheres recebem apenas 10% dos créditos destinados aos pequenos agricultores e apenas 1% dos créditos agrícolas. Resultado? Uma esmagadora maioria, estimada entre 70 a 115 milhões delas, está, na prática, excluída do sistema formal.

A sua riqueza: o seu rebanho, que é a sua poupança. Mas sem um meio fiável de documentar o seu gado, como provar que se é proprietário de dez vacas? Os métodos tradicionais, como as brincos auriculares, são frágeis e fáceis de falsificar, tornando praticamente impossível qualquer verificação por parte de um banqueiro e transformando o bem mais precioso de uma mulher numa garantia inválida.

“Foi ao cruzar estas duas realidades, ou seja, a necessidade de fiabilidade no terreno e a capacidade técnica interna, que surgiu a ideia: por que não aplicar a IA ao reconhecimento de ativos como o gado?”, explica Jenny.

A sua solução, Halisi Livestock, funciona como o reconhecimento facial para humanos. “Com um simples smartphone, um agente de crédito pode tirar uma foto do rosto de uma vaca”, explica. “Graças a algoritmos de reconhecimento biométrico, a nossa IA analisa as características únicas de cada animal e gera uma identidade digital que é impossível de falsificar”.

É aqui que as peças se encaixam para desbloquear o acesso ao financiamento. Primeiro, essa identidade digital dá à criadora um meio legítimo e incontestável de recensear e valorizar o seu rebanho. Em seguida, esse inventário digital torna-se uma prova irrefutável de propriedade, transformando um ativo móvel numa garantia tangível. Em outras palavras, o rebanho torna-se uma garantia confiável. Por fim, essa prova de garantia, verificável à distância, dá às instituições financeiras a segurança necessária para libertar financiamentos.

“Para uma instituição financeira, não se trata mais de uma estimativa aproximada, mas de dados concretos e confiáveis. Não se fala mais de um perfil ‘informal’, mas de um ativo digital registado, verificado e integrado numa carteira estruturada”, explica Jenny. A confiança, construída com base nos dados, abre finalmente as portas ao crédito. 

A transição de uma inovação promissora para uma solução em grande escala foi possível graças ao programa «Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa», apoiado pela AFAWA (https://apo-opa.co/3TFGI4o), a iniciativa do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para o financiamento das mulheres em África. “A nossa integração no programa marcou um ponto de viragem no nosso percurso”, reconhece Jenny. “Este apoio permitiu-nos beneficiar de um acompanhamento estratégico para reforçar a nossa visão e, acima de tudo, para aperfeiçoar o nosso produto, e alcançar uma melhor adequação entre o produto e o mercado”. Graças a este acompanhamento, a empresa Neotex.ai, que ela criou, expandiu os seus serviços para novas zonas rurais no Quénia, registando mais de 1250 cabeças de gado e provando a viabilidade do seu modelo.

Para além do crédito, a visão de Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya passa por redefinir o lugar do mundo rural na economia africana. A tecnologia torna o setor da pecuária “visível, mensurável e modelável” para investidores e decisores políticos, explica a empresária.

A sua mensagem é dupla. Às instituições financeiras, lança um convite: é hora de investir “em economias locais de alto potencial, muitas vezes impulsionadas por mulheres”. Às jovens africanas que sonham em inovar, oferece o seu percurso como prova. “Ousem criar. Mesmo em setores onde não são esperadas. Se eu posso construir soluções inovadoras a partir de um telemóvel e um rebanho de vacas, vocês também podem reinventar o que ninguém ainda ousou imaginar”, conclui.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org

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Assinalando o Dia Internacional da Mulher 2025: a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej e as Primeiras Damas Africanas empoderam e elevam mulheres e raparigas através da educação e assistência médica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, junto às Primeiras Damas Africanas, que são também as suas Embaixadoras, Ministérios da Saúde, Educação, Comunicação e Género, assinalam o “Dia Internacional da Mulher 2025“, através dos seus impactantes programas de desenvolvimento, continuando o seu legado de 13 anos de epoderamento das mulheres e raparigas.

Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO Fundação Merck e Uma das Mulheres Africanas Mais Influentes por Seis Anos Consecutivos (2019 – 2024) expressou: “Feliz Dia Internacional da Mulher a todas as mulheres e raparigas extraordinárias do mundo!

Empoderar raparigas e mulheres está no centro de todas as nossas iniciativas e programas na Fundação Merck. Reconheço o imenso potencial das mulheres para prosperar, ter sucesso e se destacarem em qualquer área que escolham, mas muitas vezes não têm o ambiente propício para realizar plenamente as suas capacidades, especialmente em comunidades carenciadas.

Por isso, junto às nossas Embaixadoras, as Primeiras Damas Africanas, comemoramos o Dia Internacional da Mulher todos os dias, há 13 anos, através dos nossos programas e iniciativas de desenvolvimento, tais como ‘Mais do Que uma Mãe’, ‘Capacitação Profissional da Fundação Merck’, ‘Educar Linda’,and ‘Programa STEM’.”

“Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe” é um movimento forte que visa empoderar mulheres com infertilidade e sem filhos através do acesso à informação, educação e mudança de mentalidade.

“Estou muito feliz por partilhar que, das 2.282 bolsas de estudo atribuídas em 52 países em 44 especialidades críticas e carenciadas, 1.046 bolsas, ou seja, quase 50%, foram atribuídas a mulheres licenciadas em medicina, empoderando-as para se tornarem futuras especialistas e líderes em saúde.

Estou especialmente orgulhosa por termos atribuído mais de 680 bolsas de estudo a jovens médicos, dedicados a promover a saúde das mulheres através do reforço da capacidade de assistência à saúde reprodutiva, sexual e de fertilidade.”

A CEO da Fundação Merck acredita firmemente que a educação é uma das áreas mais críticas do empoderamento feminino.

“Tenho o prazer de partilhar que, através do nosso Programa “Educar Linda”, junto às minhas queridas irmãs, as nossas Embaixadoras, estamos a contribuir para o futuro de mais de 700 raparigas, concedendo bolsas de estudo para continuarem a sua formação e fornecendo também materiais escolares essenciais a milhares de raparigas em muitos países africanos, como o Botswana, o Burundi, o Malawi, a Gâmbia, a Nigéria, a Zâmbia, o Zimbabwe, Gana, Namíbia, República Democrática do Congo, Cabo Verde e muito mais.

Além disso, beneficiamos milhares de raparigas através da nossa campanha de sensibilização através de muitas iniciativas, como o lançamento de música inspiradora, livros de histórias infantis, filmes de animação, programas televisivo e prémios para melhores estilistas de media, música, filme e moda, todos com o objectivo de promover a educação das raparigas hoje para o empoderamento das mulheres amanhã”, salientou a Senadora Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck também empodera activamente as mulheres na Ciência e Tecnologia através do seu Programa STEM e do Prémio Anual da Cimeira de Investigação África da Fundação Merck (MARS), que distingue e celebra as Melhores Investigadoras Africanas e os Melhores Jovens Investigadores Africanos, promovendo a excelência na investigação.

“O nosso objectivo é empoderar as mulheres e os jovens investigadores africanos, melhorar a sua capacidade de investigação e promover as suas contribuições para a área da STEM”, sublinhou a Dra. Kelej.

Assista aos episódios do programa televisivo “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” sobre o apoio à educação das raparigas:

Episódio 2: https://apo-opa.co/4mfjkXN

Episódio 11: https://apo-opa.co/46OtJ7Y

Episódio 14: https://apo-opa.co/4eOnPpH

Ouça aqui a música da Fundação Merck sobre o apoio à educação das raparigas:

  1. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “Girl Can” aqui, cantada por duas famosas cantoras, Irene and Cwezi da Libéria e Gana respectivamente: https://apo-opa.co/4eWbPm8
  2. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “Like Them” aqui, cantada por Kenneth, um famoso músico do Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4lo4Wfy
  3. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “Take me to School” aqui, cantada por Wezi, músico Afro-soul da Zâmbia, para apoiar a educação das raparigas: https://apo-opa.co/4ePQxWU
  4. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música em português “Tu Podes Sim”, que significa em inglês “Yes, You Can” cantada em ingles por Blaze e Tamyris Moiane, cantores de Moçambique aqui: https://apo-opa.co/46GXwPY
  5. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “Brighter day” de Sean K e Cwesi Oteng da Namíbia e Gana respectivamente: https://apo-opa.co/3GInicb

Assista aos filmes de animação da Fundação Merck para apoiar a educação das raparigas:

Viagem ao Futuro: https://apo-opa.co/4lRcDdZ

Resgate da Jaqueline: https://apo-opa.co/3Gqi1pF

Leia o livro de histórias da Fundação Merck que aborda a importância da educação das raparigas:

  1. Para ler o Livro de Histórias Educar Linda, visite: https://apo-opa.co/46tUZJ9
  1. Para ler o Livro de Histórias Resgate da Jaqueline, visite: https://apo-opa.co/44ulKeY
  1. Para ler o Livro de Histórias Viagem ao Futuro, visite: https://apo-opa.co/3Io25ox
  1. Para ler o Livro de Histórias Não É Quem Tu És, visite: https://apo-opa.co/4lCn71q

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8
X: https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN
Site: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/4lu67dm

Sobre a Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e melhorar as suas vidas através da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, desenvolver a capacidade de saúde e investigação científica, empoderar raparigas na educação e pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com um foco especial nas mulheres e nos jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Por favor, visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8), X (https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para as comunidades carenciadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação mantém-se estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia qualquer actividade política, eleição ou regime, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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Select Committee on Education Notes Policy Framework on Internationalisation but Calls for More Information

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has noted the Policy Framework on Internationalisation of universities as presented by the Department of Higher Education and Training on Tuesday.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, called on the department to provide updated statistical information, that will help the committee to act from an informed perspective on issues in the sector. He said: “We appreciate this initiative but we call on the department to ensure that it empowers black South Africans, the previously disadvantaged and other vulnerable groups.

“Keeping up with international standards is ideal but such move must empower South Africans. We must not be swallowed up in convenient phrases, but we want South Africans to equally influence the world through research output that does not regurgitate international models.”

Minister Nobuhle Nkabane led the departmental delegation in the meeting with the committee this morning. She informed the committee that the policy will serve as a guideline to South Africa’s institutions of higher education.

Mr Feni said the policy is urgent and that in the era of indigenous knowledge systems and decolonised knowledge, we should be able to make conditions conducive for black South African scholars at home and abroad. “But in the absence of relevant and reliable information, we are unable to do anything. Even the swirling complaints about foreign nationals uprooting Black South Africans from their system will continue,” Mr Feni said.

Mr Feni said the development of a policy framework must not be delayed as Black South Africans legitimately feel they are being substituted by foreign nationals. “There will be claims of xenophobia, when in fact this was something that could have easily been avoided.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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World Youth Skills Day: For Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming African women livestock farmers’ herds into a source of finance

Source: APO

A dirt road in Kenya. Heavy heat shimmers over the surrounding savannah. A loan officer approaches a herd of cattle and pulls out a smartphone. Standing next to the owner, a woman with a proud yet cautious gaze, he photographs an animal. Hundreds of miles away, an artificial intelligence algorithm transforms that animal into a bankable asset.

This scene illustrates the quiet revolution led by Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya. A young Congolese engineer, she is tackling a paradox that traps millions of women living in rural areas in precarious conditions. The challenge is staggering. Sub-Saharan Africa has around 200 million smallholder farmers, a significant proportion of whom raise livestock. Women account for up to 60 percent of these farmers, representing an economic force of 80-120 million rural female livestock keepers.

Yet, this force remains virtually invisible to the financial system. Studies conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) show that women receive only 10 percent of smallholder-targeted loans and barely 1 percent of all agricultural loans. The result? An estimated between 70-115 million women are effectively excluded from formal financing.

Their livestock is their savings account. But without a reliable way to document their herds, how can they prove ownership of 10 cows? Traditional methods, such as ear tags, are fragile and easy to falsify, making verification by a banker nearly impossible and turning a woman’s most valuable asset into an invalid guarantee.

“It was by combining these two realities – a need for reliability in the field and in-house technical expertise – that the idea emerged: why not apply AI to recognizing assets such as livestock?” explains Jenny.

Her solution, Halisi Livestock, works like facial recognition for animals. “A loan officer can take a photo of a cow’s face using a simple smartphone,” she explains. “Using biometric recognition algorithms, our AI analyses each animal’s unique features and generates a digital identity that cannot be falsified.”

This innovation is the key to unlocking financing. First, the digital identity provides farmers with a reliable, indisputable way to count and value their herds. Next, the digital inventory serves as irrefutable proof of ownership, transforming a moving asset into a verifiable guarantee. Finally, this collateral, which can be verified remotely, gives financial institutions the confidence to approve loans.

“For a financial institution, it is no longer a rough estimate, but concrete and reliable data. We are no longer talking about an ‘informal’ profile, but a digital asset that is registered, verified, and integrated into a structured portfolio,” summarizes Jenny. Trust, built on data, finally opens the doors to credit.

The transition from promising innovation to large-scale solution was achieved thanks to the “Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa” programme, supported by Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) (https://apo-opa.co/4nKHta9), the African Development Bank’s initiative for financing women in Africa. “Joining the programme marked a turning point in our journey,” Jenny acknowledges. “The support provided allowed us to benefit from strategic guidance to strengthen our vision and above all, to refine our product in order to achieve a better fit between the product and the market.” Thanks to this support, the company she founded, Neotex.ai, has rolled out its services in new rural areas in Kenya, registering more than 1,250 head of livestock and proving the viability of its model.

Beyond facilitating access to loans, Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya’s vision is to redefine the role of rural economies in Africa. She believes technology makes the livestock sector “visible, measurable and able to be modelled” for investors and policymakers.

Her message is twofold. She calls on financial institutions to invest “in high-potential local economies, often led by women.” To young African women dreaming of innovating, she offers her own journey as proof. “Dare to create. Even in sectors where you are not expected to. If I can build disruptive solutions from a cell phone and a herd of cows, you too can reinvent what no one has yet dared to imagine.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Editor’s note:
15 July 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations World Youth Skills Day. This year’s theme focuses on empowering young people through artificial intelligence and digital skills.

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Marking International Women’s Day 2025: Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej & First Ladies of Africa Empower and Uplift Women & Girls Through Education & Healthcare

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark ‘International Women’s Day 2025’, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!

Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.

Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.”

“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.

“I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1046 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders.

I am especially proud that we have awarded over 680 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.”

Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.

“I am happy to share that through our “Educating Linda” Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are contributing to the future of over 700 girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more.

Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow”, emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.

“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.

Watch the Episodes of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:

Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/4mfjkXN

Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/46OtJ7Y

Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4eOnPpH

Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:

  1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/4eWbPm8
  2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4lo4Wfy
  3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/4ePQxWU
  4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/46GXwPY  
  5. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3GInicb

Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education :

Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4lRcDdZ

Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3Gqi1pF

Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education:

  1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/46tUZJ9
  1. To read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/44ulKeY
  1. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/3Io25ox
  1. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4lCn71q

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8
X: https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4lu67dm

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4lZ2dt8), X (https://apo-opa.co/44O0H5M), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/466ZGIB), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lFl8sQ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4lXSrqZ) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4f9GJaN).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Murqub District youth: “Transitional periods must come to an end”

Source: APO


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Twenty-two young men and women from Murqub District and the surrounding area joined UNSMIL officials in an online consultation Monday to share their thoughts on the Advisory Committee’s proposals to take Libya to elections and unify state institutions.  

“The transitional phases have resulted in a loss of trust from the public in the institutions,” said one participant. “All options have pros and cons, but the national dialogue must be linked to the electoral track,” they added. 

Participants were briefed on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:    

  1. Holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, then adopt a constitution;    

  2. Holding parliamentary elections followed by adopting a permanent constitution, followed by presidential elections;    

  3. Adopting a permanent constitution before national elections; or    

  4. Dissolving existing institutions and forming a new dialogue forum that appoints an executive and selects a 60-member constituent assembly to adopt a temporary constitution and electoral laws for national elections.  

Many of the participants favoured option four; however, others discussed the importance of holding presidential elections and stressed the need for a constitution. Others said Libya already had one dialogue forum and a referendum would be needed to launch a second. 

“The government must be elected by the people,” said one participant, noting that some of the current leaders have been in power seven years. “Transitional governments must end.” 

Many participants raised their frustration with those who have acted as spoilers in the past to prevent elections. They highlighted that this would likely happen again and that the UN Security Council needed to be more robust with sanctions to prevent this. 

“Option four with amendments is the best option,” said another participant, adding that there needed to be strict conditions such as timeframes and limited tasks. 

A youth council member from Al Khums highlighted the need for transitional justice, reparations and fact finding, saying that very little has been achieved on national reconciliation. Without this, they said, the country would be unable to move forward. 

“Preventing hate speech and educating the public to build a political culture should be something that UNSMIL focuses on in partnership with the media,” said another participant, with others agreeing that hate speech has a damaging effect on society and political discussion. 

All participants were encouraged to complete UNSMIL’s poll requesting formal feedback from the public on the political process to ensure that their voices were heard. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).