Malawi's Foreign Minister Meets Qatar's Ambassador
The meeting reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
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Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza: A Lifelong Journey Since Beijing 1995
In September 1995, during Rwanda's fragile recovery following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a young woman named Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza boarded a plane to represent her country at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. She wasn't just carrying luggage; she was carrying hope. Rebuilding from Ruins: The Power of One Woman's Resolve Back home, Marie got to work. She helped establish the National Women's Council and the National Youth Council, and served as Vice Chairperson of both in their first terms. As mayor of the former Gisozi District, she introduced gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring women's and youth's priorities were reflected in local government plans. In 2005, during the Beijing+10 commemoration, Marie mobilized over 800 community members for a three-day dialogue on gender equality, earning her a UNIFEM Certificate of Excellence. Her leadership continued to grow from district executive to Member of Parliament (2013–2024), where she held influential roles, including Vice Chairperson of the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) and member of the Public Accounts Committee, tirelessly championing gender-responsive budgeting and accountability across institutions. Taking Rwanda's Voice to Africa and Beyond Marie didn't stop at the national level. From 2015 to 2024, she served at the Pan-African Parliament, using her position as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities to amplify the voices of African women in policymaking spaces. Beyond her public duties, Marie established REBEJO (Renforcement du Bien Être de la Jeunesse Ouvrière) to support girls and young women who have survived gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies. In 2025, she launched the Forum des Femmes Catholiques au Rwanda, a pioneering space for faith-based gender education targeting women who didn't have the opportunity to complete formal schooling. She now plans to extend the platform to include men, encouraging more inclusive conversations on gender roles and shared responsibility in families. The Legacy of Beijing: Still Her Guiding Light Three decades later, Marie still draws strength from the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). The 12 critical areas of concern from Beijing from education and poverty to violence and political participation continue to frame her advocacy. Rwanda's progress is undeniable: gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution, more than 63.8 per cent of representatives in Parliament are female, and progressive laws have been redefined such as land rights, inheritance, education and protection from violence. Institutions such as MIGEPROF, the Gender Monitoring Office, and FFRP have anchored this progress. Yet, Marie remains grounded in reality. 'The journey is still long,' she says. She calls for more deliberate engagement with men and boys, gender equality education starting in early childhood, and increased support to grassroots civil society and private sector actors to localize global frameworks like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and BPfA. She advocates for revitalizing national monitoring mechanisms that ensure Rwanda's reporting and implementation are inclusive, evidence-based, and community-informed. A Beacon of Hope at CSW69 and Beyond At the CSW69 National Reflection Event, hosted by MIGEPROF in partnership with UN Women Rwanda, Marie shared her story alongside fellow Beijing alumni. The event served as a space to connect global outcomes, like the CSW69 Political Declaration, with national development strategies. Hon. Consolee Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, acknowledged the pivotal contributions of women like Marie and reminded stakeholders that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains one of the most ambitious global frameworks for women's rights. She issued a compelling call to action: to align CSW69 outcomes with national strategies through accelerated action, meaningful inclusion, and responsive solutions to emerging challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and humanitarian crises. She honoured the contributions of Beijing alumni like Marie and Crescence Mukantabana, and recognized Rwanda's youth as key drivers of continued progress. Closing the event, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative, reminded the audience that global frameworks must be localized to truly impact the lives of women and girls. She commended Rwanda's leadership and its new role as Co-Chair of CSW70, a role that reflects the country's leadership and responsibility to inspire others in a time of global uncertainty. 'The Journey Is Still Long, But We Continue.' Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza's life is a testament to what happens when hope meets purpose. Sparked by the global solidarity of 1995, she has spent the past 30 years ensuring Rwanda doesn't just rebuild but rises with women at the centre. As the world marks 30 years since Beijing, Marie's story reminds us that transformation is not an event, it is a commitment. epresenting civil society under the banner of 'Team Karisimbi,' Marie was part of a unified Rwandan delegation of 40 drawn from government, civil society, and the private sector. At the time, Rwanda did not make an official presentation, as it had no achievements to showcase. 'All we carried,' Marie recalls, 'was a hope and a will to rebuild our country.' The stories she heard in Beijing from women fighting for rights in their corners of the world, transformed her worldview, 'It was like a fire lit inside me. I came back knowing I had a role to play in Rwanda's rebirth.' The Beijing Conference ignited in Marie a lifelong commitment to gender equality and resilience. That spark became the compass that would guide her life's work for decades to come. Rebuilding from Ruins: The Power of One Woman's Resolve Back home, Marie got to work. She helped establish the National Women's Council and the National Youth Council, and served as Vice Chairperson of both in their first terms. As mayor of the former Gisozi District, she introduced gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring women's and youth's priorities were reflected in local government plans. In 2005, during the Beijing+10 commemoration, Marie mobilized over 800 community members for a three-day dialogue on gender equality, earning her a UNIFEM Certificate of Excellence. Her leadership continued to grow from district executive to Member of Parliament (2013–2024), where she held influential roles, including Vice Chairperson of the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) and member of the Public Accounts Committee, tirelessly championing gender-responsive budgeting and accountability across institutions. Taking Rwanda's Voice to Africa and Beyond Marie didn't stop at the national level. From 2015 to 2024, she served at the Pan-African Parliament, using her position as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities to amplify the voices of African women in policymaking spaces. Beyond her public duties, Marie established REBEJO (Renforcement du Bien Être de la Jeunesse Ouvrière) to support girls and young women who have survived gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies. In 2025, she launched the Forum des Femmes Catholiques au Rwanda, a pioneering space for faith-based gender education targeting women who didn't have the opportunity to complete formal schooling. She now plans to extend the platform to include men, encouraging more inclusive conversations on gender roles and shared responsibility in families. The Legacy of Beijing: Still Her Guiding Light Three decades later, Marie still draws strength from the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). The 12 critical areas of concern from Beijing from education and poverty to violence and political participation continue to frame her advocacy. Rwanda's progress is undeniable: gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution, more than 63.8 per cent of representatives in Parliament are female, and progressive laws have been redefined such as land rights, inheritance, education and protection from violence. Institutions such as MIGEPROF, the Gender Monitoring Office, and FFRP have anchored this progress. Yet, Marie remains grounded in reality. 'The journey is still long,' she says. She calls for more deliberate engagement with men and boys, gender equality education starting in early childhood, and increased support to grassroots civil society and private sector actors to localize global frameworks like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and BPfA. She advocates for revitalizing national monitoring mechanisms that ensure Rwanda's reporting and implementation are inclusive, evidence-based, and community-informed. A Beacon of Hope at CSW69 and Beyond At the CSW69 National Reflection Event, hosted by MIGEPROF in partnership with UN Women Rwanda, Marie shared her story alongside fellow Beijing alumni. The event served as a space to connect global outcomes, like the CSW69 Political Declaration, with national development strategies. Hon. Consolee Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, acknowledged the pivotal contributions of women like Marie and reminded stakeholders that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains one of the most ambitious global frameworks for women's rights. She issued a compelling call to action: to align CSW69 outcomes with national strategies through accelerated action, meaningful inclusion, and responsive solutions to emerging challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and humanitarian crises. She honoured the contributions of Beijing alumni like Marie and Crescence Mukantabana, and recognized Rwanda's youth as key drivers of continued progress. Closing the event, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative, reminded the audience that global frameworks must be localized to truly impact the lives of women and girls. She commended Rwanda's leadership and its new role as Co-Chair of CSW70, a role that reflects the country's leadership and responsibility to inspire others in a time of global uncertainty. 'The Journey Is Still Long, But We Continue.' Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza's life is a testament to what happens when hope meets purpose. Sparked by the global solidarity of 1995, she has spent the past 30 years ensuring Rwanda doesn't just rebuild but rises with women at the centre. As the world marks 30 years since Beijing, Marie's story reminds us that transformation is not an event, it is a commitment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission to Zambia Finds Strong Commitment to Nuclear Security, Encourages Focus on Capacity Building
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) completed an advisory service mission to Zambia focused on assessing the country's nuclear security regime for nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control, referred to as MORC. The team recognized Zambia's commitment to nuclear security through its efforts to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorized acts involving MORC, and pointed out capacity building and coordination among stakeholders as areas for further enhancement. The International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission was conducted at the request of the Republic of Zambia and took place from 14 to 23 July 2025. Hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) of Zambia, the mission was led by Samer Quran, Director of the National Centre for Nuclear and Radiological Security at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission in Jordan. The team comprised of five experts from Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Norway and the USA, as well as two IAEA staff members. INSServ missions aim to support States in strengthening their ability to prevent, detect and respond to criminal and intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other MORC, which is lost, missing, stolen, improperly disposed of, or inadequately stored or handled. The scope of the INSServ mission included the foundational elements of nuclear security systems and measures for MORC, as well as detection and response systems and measures. 'Following an International Physical Protection Advisory Service in 2023, the first INSServ mission in Zambia builds on the country's ongoing efforts to improve its nuclear security regime by leveraging the available IAEA assistance mechanisms,' said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Security. 'We are looking forward to continued cooperation with Zambia's competent authorities for strengthening nuclear security.' During the mission to Zambia, the team conducted a series of meetings with officials from the RPA, the Office of the President, the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Technology and Science, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Zambia Police Service, National Anti-Terrorism Center, Immigration Department, Zambia Airports Cooperation, Civil Aviation Authority and Zambia Revenue Authority. The team also conducted site visits to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Kazungula (land) Border, the RPA Inland Office in Livingstone, the Kapiri-Mposhi Railway Station and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research. 'The country has made progress in developing and implementing nuclear security measures at its borders and within its territory. The mission confirmed Zambia's commitment to further improvements concluding that the country should continue to build on its efforts to strengthen multi-agency cooperation and coordination among national competent authorities responsible for nuclear security,' said Samer Quran, the INSServ Team Leader. To further enhance its nuclear security capabilities, the team recommended that Zambia develop comprehensive training programmes for its personnel, including exercises. The experts identified good practices in the field of information security and in processes aimed at reducing the risk of insider threats. 'The INSServ mission marks a significant milestone in Zambia's commitment to strengthening nuclear security. The recommendations received will guide our efforts to build a robust and resilient nuclear security regime, protecting our people from the risks posed by nuclear and radioactive material outside regulatory control," said Boster D. Siwila, Executive Director of the RPA. The IAEA's INSServ mission is part of its ongoing efforts to assist Member States in strengthening their nuclear security regimes in relation to MORC. The Agency provides a range of services in this area, including expert advice, training and equipment support, to help Member States protect against criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving such materials. The draft findings and recommendations were presented to the Republic of Zambia, and the final report will be presented in about three months. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Afrobarometer trains African Peer Review Mechanism staff in data analysis and use to strengthen evidence-based policy making
Afrobarometer ( has concluded a two-day workshop aimed at equipping staff at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) with foundational skills in accessing and analysing public attitude data. The training brought together APRM researchers for hands-on sessions on analysing Afrobarometer data and exploring how citizen attitudes can inform national governance reviews and reform priorities. The workshop, held on 24-25 July in Midrand, forms part of Afrobarometer's partnership ( with the APRM to improve collaboration on governance data, monitoring, and evidence-based policy making across Africa. The goal is to boost the availability and use of citizen-centred data by aligning Afrobarometer's public opinion research with APRM governance monitoring tools such as the Africa Governance Index and National Programmes of Action. Participants were introduced to Afrobarometer's data-collection methodology and received comprehensive practical training on accessing and interpreting Afrobarometer data using its free online data analysis tool ( Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, the training explored how insights into citizens' experiences and expectations can be applied to enhance policy proposals, strategy development, and review processes. Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (basic track), noted that the workshop aims to promote a culture of evidence-based policy engagement rooted in citizen data and public accountability. 'The collaboration with APRM highlights a growing recognition of the critical role of citizen voices in African governance. By equipping participants with tools to access and apply public attitude data, the training aims to foster stronger, more accountable institutions,' she said. APRM chief of staff, Damien Thesee, stressed the strong links between APRM's policy mission and Afrobarometer's public attitude data. 'This capacity building session on how to read, analyse, and incorporate Afrobarometer data is timely because it aligns with our 2025-2028 strategic plan's objectives of institutional strengthening and capacity development through the '3 Ps' of professionalism, performance, and probity,' he said. 'Our vision is to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to execute our tasks effectively and ensure that there is increased productivity and improved performance, as well as enhanced satisfaction from our AU member states.' Participants also lauded the practical impact of the workshop. 'This training has presented us with an opportunity to start using Afrobarometer data, which is helpful because it is current and communicates the perceptions of citizens,' said Peter Katwesige, APRM monitoring and evaluation officer. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer. For more information, please contact: Communications coordinator for Southern Africa Asafika Mpako Telephone: +2783 979 8299 Email: ampako@ Social Media: Facebook X LinkedIn YouTube Instagram WhatsApp Bluesky Visit us online at Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. About Afrobarometer: Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 43 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website ( and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool (
