Lift Africa Foundation Engages Global Leaders on Gender Equality, Violence Prevention, and the Pact for the Future
New York, United States | 21–22 September 2024
Lift Africa Foundation participates in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) and the Summit of the Future Action Days, contributing civil society perspectives to global discussions on sustainable development, peace and security, gender equality, and institutional reform.
On 22 September 2024, world leaders formally adopt the Pact for the Future, a landmark UN resolution designed to strengthen multilateral cooperation and safeguard the wellbeing of present and future generations. The Pact advances key pillars including sustainable development, peace and security, global governance, and the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The adoption of the Pact marks a critical moment in global governance, signalling renewed political commitment to collective action, intergenerational responsibility, and systemic reform within international institutions.
Civil Society Engagement at the Summit of the Future Action Days
During Day 2 of the Summit of the Future Action Days on 21 September 2024, Lift Africa Foundation engages in high-level dialogues focused on translating global commitments into concrete action—particularly in relation to gender equality, women’s rights, and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
Representing the Foundation, Founder Aisha Hamman, an End Violence Champion, participates in sessions examining how the gender equality and women’s rights commitments contained within the Pact for the Future can be operationalised through:
- UN institutional reforms
- strengthened accountability mechanisms
- inclusive governance processes
- sustained financing for gender equality initiatives
The discussions emphasise the critical role of civil society, youth, academia, and the private sector in driving implementation and ensuring that global agreements move beyond consensus toward measurable impact.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls as a Governance Priority
A central focus of Lift Africa Foundation’s engagement at UNGA79 is the urgent need to strengthen global and national responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG). The Foundation contributes to conversations highlighting that violence prevention is not only a social issue, but a governance, justice, and development imperative.
Lift Africa Foundation participates in a dedicated session spotlighting the Spotlight Initiative, which showcases high-impact, multi-country efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. The session underscores evidence of progress while also calling for increased political commitment and sustained financing.
The session further highlights renewed support for violence prevention efforts, including additional investment commitments announced by the World Bank, reinforcing the importance of coordinated global financing to support survivor protection, legal reform, and prevention systems.
From Global Commitments to Implementation
Lift Africa Foundation reinforces the position that the Pact for the Future must translate into tangible reforms at national and community levels, particularly in contexts where women and girls continue to face systemic barriers to justice, protection, and participation.
Drawing from its work across Northern Nigeria, the Foundation brings grounded perspectives on:
- gaps between policy commitments and enforcement
- the consequences of weak legal and institutional frameworks
- the importance of survivor-centred justice systems
- the role of youth and community actors in accountability
- the need for sustained investment in prevention and protection
These insights inform the Foundation’s advocacy for global frameworks that are responsive to lived realities and capable of driving institutional change.
Lift Africa Foundation’s Position
Lift Africa Foundation affirms that the Pact for the Future represents an important step forward, but its success depends on implementation, accountability, and political will. Global declarations alone cannot protect women and girls without:
- enforceable laws
- functioning justice systems
- adequately funded protection services
- inclusive governance structures
- strong civil society participation
The Foundation continues to advocate for development and governance systems that prioritise safety, dignity, and rights—particularly for women, girls, and marginalised communities.
Lift Africa Foundation’s Commitment
Through its engagement at UNGA79 and the Summit of the Future, Lift Africa Foundation reaffirms its commitment to:
- advancing gender equality and women’s rights
- ending violence against women and girls
- strengthening justice and accountability systems
- supporting youth and civil society leadership
- translating global agreements into local impact
The Foundation remains dedicated to shaping a future where multilateral commitments result in real protection, equitable opportunities, and lasting institutional reform for women and girls.