Day of the African Child 2026 – Removing barriers to learning
For Day of the African Child 2026, we spotlight how holistic support helps remove barriers that prevent girls from learning.
Kumbuso, CAMFED Association Member, champions youth inclusion at Africa’s Sustainable Development Forum
At the twelfth session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held in April 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kumbuso Phiri from Zambia, a member of the CAMFED Association — the network of women leaders educated with CAMFED’s support — championed youth inclusion in Africa’s development agenda.
The high level forum brought together leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the African continent to make progress on the global Sustainable Development Agenda to 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for transforming the African continent over five decades. Discussions focused on key global goals, including access to clean water and sanitation.
I am passionate about improving clean water, sanitation and hygiene access in Zambia because it directly links to improved outcomes in health, education and economic opportunity. I have seen how poor sanitation and unsafe water contribute to diseases, malnutrition, school absenteeism, and preventable deaths, especially among children and women.
Kumbuso Phiri
Representing Zambia, Ms. Phiri called for the establishment of a Youth WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Advisory Board, stressing the need to involve young people in decisions that directly affect their communities.
In Zambia, the lack of access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities disproportionately affects women and girls. Girls and women are often responsible for collecting water, which reduces time available for pursuing education, income generation, or leadership opportunities. In communities without safe sanitation, women often face risks to their privacy, safety and security.
Kumbuso Phiri (first left), with delegates at the Africa Sustainable Development Forum, 2026 held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Credit: UN ECA
Ms. Phiri shared her expertise in a panel discussion on youth engagement in WASH, where she highlighted the importance of participation and leadership opportunities for young people across Africa.
Her advocacy at the forum reflects her work as President of the Youth WASH Ambassadors in Zambia, where she champions improved hygiene practices and increased access to safe water for communities.
In schools, many girls face challenges managing menstruation in environments that lack privacy, water, or proper sanitation facilities. This can lead to absenteeism, discomfort, infections, embarrassment, and in some cases school dropouts. Access to proper WASH facilities helps protect girls’ dignity, confidence, health, and educational outcomes. When schools invest in these essential facilities, they are also investing in gender equality, as girls are more likely to participate fully in education when their basic needs are met.
Kumbuso Phiri speaks at the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa, April 2026. Credit: UN ECA
I have seen communities where girls miss school because there are no safe toilets, families struggle with waterborne diseases, and young people grow up without sufficient hygiene knowledge. So, for me adequate sanitation is not just about infrastructure, it is about giving people the opportunity to live healthier and more dignified lives.Kumbuso Phiri
One such example is an upcoming CAMFED project run in partnership with The Waterloo Foundation to help improve WASH facilities at schools in Chibombo district, Zambia. Students will benefit from access to clean water, better toilets and handwashing facilities, and improved educational awareness around safe hygiene practices.
Hear from Kumbuso, health advocate
“It is vital that young Zambian women like me bring our voices to a global forum because our experiences, innovative ideas, and perspectives are often missing from decision-making spaces. Young women from communities facing challenges related to water, sanitation and hygiene understand the realities on the ground and can speak authentically about what needs to change. Policies and programs are more effective when the people most affected are included in shaping solutions.
Global forums also create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and amplifying local voices to influence international action. For me, participating in such spaces is about ensuring that African youth, especially young women, are not only represented but are recognized as leaders and contributors to sustainable development and social change.”
Young people have the energy and insight to drive change, but they need structured platforms to influence policy.Kumbuso Phiri, CAMFED Association member, Zambia
Related news and stories
“We are drivers of change!” The young people advancing Ghana’s green economy
Researchers in our CAMFED Association of women leaders interview young entrepreneurs about creating dignified, fulfilling and sustainable jobs.