Background

The African Women Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights (AWOMI), based in Dakar, Senegal, was launched in May 2005 in Limuru, Kenya. One of AWOMI’s main objectives is to mobilize women and youth around coordinated actions for the realization of their economic and social rights particularly around reproductive health and rights, impunity from gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS and other forms of exclusion. 
Through the Young Women’s Knowledge and Leadership Institute (YOWLI), AWOMI focuses on building the capacities of young women of African descent. YOWLI was set up to enable young women to widen their horizons, enhance their networks and actively engage in monitoring and fighting for social justice. The first edition was hosted in Dakar, Senegal in June-July of 2006 and participants learned about poverty reduction strategy processes, participation, ownership, leadership, human rights skills building and advocacy. This year, YOWLI 2008 will take place on historic Goree Island in Senegal and focus on accountability and economic and social rights of young women and girls.


Facilitators:

Namtasha Bunting, Gender trainer, Tanzania
Bintou Fall, High School Counselor, Senegal
Samara Gaev, Cross-cultural Arts Educator, USA
Agness Thomasi, The Gambia
Salimata Bocoum, Sociologist, AWOMI Coordinator
Nogaye Diop, Sociologist, Community Development, AWOMI

Trainers

Yassine Fall, Economist, AWOMI President
Mariama Williams, Economist, Gender and Trade Specialist, Jamaica.
Hameda Deedat, Gender and Trade , South Africa
Naana Otoo-Oyortey, Reproductive Health, Ghana
Nkandu Luo, Reproductive Health and Rights, Zambia
Habib Sy, Communication, Senegal
Aminata Toure, Accountability Statistics, Senegal
Amnesty International or Center for Human Rights Human Rights, Senegal (oneTBC)
Mafoane Odera, Ashoka Brasil , How to sell Innovative and Bold Youth Ideas,

Click Here to View the complete list of YOWLI 2008 Participants