Windhoek: The African Feminism Forum has called for greater action to advance women's political and economic rights, saying the continent's feminist agenda must move beyond declarations towards practical and sustainable change.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum in Windhoek on Monday brought together former First Lady of Namibia Monica Geingos, author and CEO of The Conversation Strategists Nozipho Tshabalala, Nigerian-British feminist scholar and founding editor of Feminist Africa Prof Amina Mama, and Greenpeace MENA JEDIS Advisor and women's rights advocate Khaoula Ksiksi.

The speakers reflected on the unfinished work of pan-African feminism, focusing on women's leadership, political will, economic structures, and the need to prepare younger generations to continue advancing the feminist movement. Geingos, drawing on her experience at State House, challenged the distinction between being close to political power and actually having power, while highlighting the importance of using institutional access and social capital to amplify broader movements.

She also called for an 'unromantic finance strategy' that addresses issues including unpaid care work, debt, taxation, financial inclusion, social protection, healthcare, and pension reform. Geingos further advocated for greater use of domestic capital and innovative financing mechanisms to support social and economic initiatives. She cited 'blended vehicles like the kind One Economy Foundation (ONE) has built and proved possible' as an example of such financing. ONE works with young people through programmes focused on sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and youth empowerment.

The discussion also highlighted the continued importance of the Maputo Protocol as a legally binding framework through which African women can claim and advance their rights. The speakers said a pan-African feminist agenda should not only examine challenges within the continent but should also consider Africa's contribution to global social and political change.

Ksiksi brought a human dimension to the discussion, emphasising that 'activism and social change should also leave room for joy and humanity.' The forum highlighted the need for African women to organise around practical strategies that strengthen political participation, economic independence, and social justice while creating space for the next generation of feminist leaders.