By 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Rozaria Memorial Trust (RMT), led by Executive Director Ms. Michelle Mutogo, is part of the ongoing Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Conference, taking place from February 6 to 8 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This year’s conference brings together advocates, policymakers, and youth leaders to engage in critical discussions on justice, equality, and reparations for African women and girls.
With representatives including youth leaders, RMT Board Chair Mr. Pascar Deka, and Former Interim Chief Tichafa Chibanda, the organization is actively contributing to the conference’s transformative agenda. On the opening day, RMT participated in the 13th GIMAC Youth Advocacy Training, themed “Youth for Reparative Justice: Building a Future of Equality and Solidarity.” The session set a powerful tone for discussions on Africa’s historical injustices and the importance of reparations in fostering a just and equal society.
A key highlight of the day was an engaging and thought-provoking session titled “Reparations Unleashed: A Bold Dialogue on Justice, Equality, and Healing,” moderated by Ms. Michelle Mutogo. The session brought together Joan Ching’amba, Economic Justice & Rights Officer for For Equality, and Ilwad Mohammed, Acting Head of the Youth Division at the African Union Commission, to explore the critical need for justice and healing in Africa.
The Significance of Justice and Reparations for Africans: Understanding how reparations contribute to restoring dignity, rights, and opportunities for marginalized communities.
Legacies of Slavery, Colonialism, Apartheid, and Racism: Addressing the lasting impacts of historical injustices and the necessity of recognition and remedial action.
Gender and Reparations: Ensuring an inclusive approach that prioritizes justice for women and marginalized groups.
The African Union’s Flagship Reparations Project: Analyzing ongoing initiatives dedicated to healing and reconciliation across the continent.
The discussions emphasized that reparations are not just about the past but about ensuring a just and equitable future where African societies can thrive free from the lingering effects of historical injustices.
Debunking False Narratives and Reclaiming History
Furthering the dialogue, RMT youth representatives Nokutenda Magma and Tawonga Zulu contributed valuable insights during the “Debunking False Narratives & Reclaiming Our History” session. Their reflections underscored the importance of initiating advocacy at the family level and ensuring that African culture and languages are integrated into the education system to foster a stronger sense of identity among young people.
The GIMAC Network, a coalition of African women’s and civil society organizations, continues to play a leading role in advocating for gender justice and equality. The conference serves as a crucial platform for these voices to shape policies and mobilize action that empowers women and girls across the continent.
As the GIMAC Conference progresses, Rozaria Memorial Trust remains committed to engaging in further discussions and collaborations, ensuring that reparative justice and gender equality remain at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda.
The message is clear: The time for comprehensive reparative measures is now. By championing these conversations, organizations like RMT are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
