Session on social mobilisation and campaigning at WSF planned

A session focused on sharing experiences and learnings on mobilising key constituencies will be convened during the WSF meeting in Nairobi. Presentations running 10-15 minutes are welcome from those willing to share experiences on issues they have mobilised around and campaigned on, the methods used, the impact achieved and lessons learnt. If you or your organisation are interested in participating at this session, please contact Eve Odete on tel +254 (0)20 282 0000 Cell: +254 (0)722 661 728 email: or Irungu Houghton Direct line: +254 (0)20 282 1055 cell: +254 (0) 733 635 354 email: . Below is an announcement on this event.

Towards people driven regional integration: Opportunities and Challenges for the African Union today
Co-organised by Oxfam GB, African Union Monitor/FAHAMU, World Vision21st January between 08.30 - 11.00Venue: Mekatilili wa Menza 4, World Social Forum, Kasarani, Nairobi
Draft - all names to be confirmedSession background
The African Union’s vision of 2001 states its commitment to justice, public participation and human rights. It has emerged as a force for South-South solidarity, early political action in conflict trouble spots and progressive common rights standards. Join us to dialogue with activists sharing practical experiences of engaging the African Union around its vision. The activity will also see the launch of the AU Monitor (http://www.pambazuka.org)

Session Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will;
1. Be more informed on the opportunities of engaging the African Union
2. Learned from practical campaigning experiences of coalitions
3. Have gathered new skills for effective leverage of a continental inter-governmental body for national implementation
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Session Plan

08.30 Welcome, introduction to the African Union – Irungu Houghton, Oxfam GB

Three advocacy experiences by campaigners at a continental level (10 mins)
1. Sustaining political commitment for the Abuja Declaration on AIDS, TB and Malaria – Gichinga Ndirangu
2. Ratifying the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa – Hannah Forster
3. Enforcing states responsibilities to protecting people in conflict – Dismas Nkunda

Rapid capacity assessment of skills required – Rudo Chitiga

Discussion around following questions
What lessons can be learnt from these experiences?
How can we scale up and use these strategies local/ sub regional/ UN levels?
What opportunities does the AU provide for influencing several countries at the same time?

Summary

Practical Demonstration and Launch of the AU Monitor-Fahamu – Firoze Manji

Close – Amboka Wameyo, World Vision
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For further details on this event contact Eve Odete 0722661728

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