News

Background

The African Institute for Development (AFIDEP) in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2022 (IWD 2020) is launching an essay competition targeted at young women across the world. This year’s theme: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, focuses on the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

One of AFIDEP’s five focus areas, which aligns with this year’s IWD theme, is the Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend focus area. Under this area, AFIDEP’s work concentrates on the drivers of rapid population growth, especially high fertility, the status of women, unmet need for contraception, youth demographics, early childbearing and migration. Furthermore, the evidence we have generated through multiple research projects indicates that population dynamics, human health, environmental sustainability and economic development are interlinked. As such, for a sustainable tomorrow, matters of population need to be addressed. However, this can only be adequately undertaken where gender equality is considered.  That being said, women and girls are still highly underrepresented regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response; though they bear the brunt of the burden.

Essay Details

We invite women aged between 18-35 to submit essays that underline the following:

• How women and girls are affected by climate change
• What needs to be done to mitigate the effects of climate change on women and girls (policy-focused)
• How population and climate change are associated (Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Family Planning focus)

All essays should be backed by evidence and have at least 3 references from reputable sources. In your essay, include the following details: your name, age, email, and the country you live in.

Essays should be no longer than 500 words (title excluded).

Submission Details

• All essays should be submitted in PDF format to communications@afidep.org by midnight (EAT) on the 15 March 2022
• Title your email ‘IWD Essay Competition- AFIDEP’
• Essays should be submitted in either English or French

Winner and prize

The winning essays shall be awarded as follows:

• 1^st Prize: $500.00 and a feature on the AFIDEP website
• 2^nd Prize: $250.00 and a feature on AFIDEP’s website
• 3^rd Prize $100.00 and a feature on AFIDEP’s website

Competition Rules

1. Only one essay submission is allowed
2. Essays should not be co-authored
3. Plagiarism will result in disqualification
4. Submissions of over 500 words will result in disqualification
5. Submissions in languages other than English and French will not be reviewed
6. Participants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be disqualified
7. Ensure you have at least 3 credible references in your essay

For any queries contact: lomuthando.nthakomwa@afidep.org

About AFIDEP

We are an African-led, non-profit research and policy institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. We are registered as a non-profit institution in the USA (with 501(c)3 status) and as a Non-Governmental Organisation in both Kenya and Malawi, with a mandate to work across Africa. We seek to contribute to the realisation of the SDGs and other development strategies by enabling the formulation of effective development policies and programme interventions.