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U.S. Ambassadors Show Support for #Africa4Her
By
5 MINUTE READ
March 24, 2017

The 2016 #Africa4Her campaign saw a huge outpouring of support inside and outside the YALI Network. More than 20,000 Network members made pledges (thank you!), and 44 pledges were made by U.S. ambassadors to Africa.

Among the highlights:

Group of hikers standing and sitting around Ambassador Miller (U.S. Embassy Botswana)
To raise awareness of human trafficking, U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Earl Miller (center) led soldiers and police on an early morning climb of Kgale Hill. (U.S. Embassy Botswana)
  • Using the hashtags #30Jours30Femmes and #FiereDetreFemme, Embassy Bamako published a photo each day of International Women’s History Month to include female doctors, teachers, civil society activists, athletes, businesswomen and musicians and to highlight their work and their partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Mali.
  • In Mauritius, Deputy Chief of Mission Susan Falatko led three interactive sessions on gender-based violence, with messages and videos aimed at men urging an end to violence against women.

    Group of people in room posing for photo (U.S. Embassy Banjul)
    Graduates of Embassy Banjul’s adult literacy class (U.S. Embassy Banjul)
  • U.S. Embassy Banjul ran a three-month adult literacy program for more than 100 women, not only empowering them in their careers, but also benefiting their families at home. As U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia Patricia Alsup told graduates: “She can help her children with schoolwork, complete an application for a birth certificate, write a letter to family members far away. Female literacy brings with it increased economic security, solidarity among women and enhanced status in the family.”
  • After making his pledge to advance the cause of justice and end violence against women, U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Earl Miller hosted activists for panel discussions and film screenings at the 16th annual Ditshwanelo Human Rights Film Festival. He also brought 10 women who work in the fields of education, government, health care and society to a civil society breakfast with former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
  • In Zambia, Ambassador Eric Schultz met with women entrepreneurs at the WECREATE Zambia Business Challenge. The State Department–funded program trains women to start or expand their business and compete to receive financial support for their business ideas.

It’s not too late for you to get involved in #Africa4Her 2017. Take the #Africa4Her quiz and tell us how you wil

Ambassador Eric Schultz joins business trainees at the WECREATE Zambia Business Challenge. (U.S. Embassy Zambia)
Group of people standing in classroom (U.S. Embassy Zambia)

l be bold for change to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in your own community. Then tell us about what you have done and follow the hashtag #Africa4Her to see what others are saying. Learn more at https://yali.state.gov/4her/.

Human Rights