Africa Forum on Gender and Child Statistics Convenes in Yaoundé
The first African Forum on Gender and Child Statistics (AGCSF2026) opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on July 8, 2026. The event brings together experts, policymakers, and partners to discuss the critical role of data in shaping effective and equitable public policies. Statisticians, public officials, researchers, and technical partners are exchanging insights on how reliable, updated, and disaggregated data can serve as a powerful lever for action. A shared observation among participants is that sustainable efforts to combat inequalities require accurate and timely information. Such data is essential for measuring gender disparities, identifying vulnerable populations, and directing investments to areas with the most pressing needs. The forum aims to strengthen the capacities of national statistical systems to produce quality indicators necessary for monitoring African states' commitments to gender equality and child protection. This initiative is supported by the Women Count program, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), which assists several countries in generating and utilizing gender-sensitive statistics as a vital decision-making tool. Ultimately, the forum emphasizes that beyond mere numbers, each data point represents a human reality and serves as an instrument for fairer and more inclusive public policies.
This forum highlights the growing recognition of data-driven approaches in addressing complex societal issues like gender inequality and child protection across Africa. The emphasis on strengthening national statistical systems and leveraging tools like the Women Count program suggests a strategic shift towards evidence-based policymaking. In the context of an increasingly data-dependent global landscape, the ability to collect, analyze, and act upon granular, gender-disaggregated data will be crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. The challenge lies in ensuring the long-term institutionalization of these practices, fostering data literacy among policymakers, and maintaining the integrity and accessibility of this vital information to drive genuine progress in the coming decade.
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