Disrupting the Status Quo: The February and March 2026 Dispatch

February has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and if the energy across the continent is any indication, the feminist future isn’t just coming-—it’s already here. During this month, our collective compass was firmly set: all roads led to Africa Disrupt CSW 70. As we gathered for this powerhouse regional convening, the air was thick with the kind of radical brilliance and unapologetic joy that only African feminists can conjure.

This wasn’t just a convening – it was our strategic heartbeat, ensuring that as we head toward CSW 70, the voices, demands, and dreams of African girls and young women aren’t just heard, but are driving the global agenda In this issue, we’re diving into the highlights from Africa Disrupt CSW70, sharing key takeaways from our regional advocacy, and celebrating the “disruptive” spirit that continues to fuel our movement.

70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 70)

The seventieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026. The priority theme was ‘’Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers. The review theme was Women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-fifth session).

FEMNET, in partnership with Women in Law and Development in Africa – Ghana (WiLDAF), hosted a parallel event African women and girls transforming justice systems through policy and advocacy which aimed at strengthening women’s meaningful participation and leadership in the legal and justice sector by unpacking gender-responsive policies and advocacy strategies that address systemic and socio-political barriers. The event highlighted lived experiences and best practices for promoting gendersensitive legal reforms and eliminating discriminatory practices. By bringing together legal professionals, civil society, and policymakers, the session supported joint advocacy and helped strengthen efforts to make justice systems more inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and girls across Africa.