WFWP Africa Commemorates the Day of the African Child 2026

Theme: "Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa"

By: Flory Yadao Ledwaba

On 16 June 2026, Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Africa hosted an online commemoration of the Day of the African Child, bringing together more than 60 participants from across the Africa and Europe to reflect on the importance of ensuring that every African child has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

The program began with welcoming remarks by Mrs. Yejun Nonguierma, who emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing Africa's children. The Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Kwan-sun Precious, provided an overview of the history and significance of the Day of the African Child, reminding participants of the ongoing responsibility to protect and promote the rights and well-being of children throughout Africa.

The event featured three distinguished speakers who shared valuable insights from their professional and personal experiences.

Dr. Giyeon Mutewa, a medical doctor from Zambia and WFWP International Young Professionals Board Member, spoke on the importance of building partnerships to ensure that no child is left behind. He highlighted the critical connection between health, sanitation, and development, emphasizing that governments, communities, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations must work together to create sustainable solutions for children and families.

Ms. Sandra Aboagye-Brenya, WFWP International UN Representative based in Geneva, Switzerland, shared moving personal experiences from her childhood in Ghana, where access to clean water often required long walks and considerable effort. She emphasized that while infrastructure is essential, addressing barriers to education is equally important. She spoke about the challenges many children face when learning in languages that are not their mother tongue and stressed the need for inclusive approaches that allow every child to thrive and reach their full potential.

The keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency Hon. Inonge Mutukwa Wina, former Vice President of Zambia. Drawing on her extensive experience in public service and community development, she underscored the vital role of women in addressing water and sanitation challenges. She highlighted the disproportionate burden that inadequate water access places on women and girls and called for strengthened partnerships among governments, communities, development agencies, and civil society organizations. Hon. Wina emphasized that ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation is not only a development issue but also a matter of dignity, health, and social justice for every child.

The presentations were followed by an engaging Question and Answer session, during which participants explored the major challenges preventing African children from accessing safe water and sanitation services. The speakers discussed practical solutions, including community engagement, policy implementation, education, youth involvement, and multi-sector partnerships.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Susan Kone, WFWP Africa Regional President, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants for their contributions. She reaffirmed WFWP Africa's commitment to promoting the well-being of children, strengthening families and communities, and advancing collaborative efforts that support sustainable development across the continent.

The commemoration served as a powerful reminder that access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental right and that achieving this goal requires the collective commitment of governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. Through continued partnership and action, Africa can move closer to a future where every child enjoys the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and empowered.