In this AJANews Newsletter, March 2024 issue, we take time to celebrate the Women in Africa. The United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) theme: “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, aims at tackling economic disempowerment. Pope Francis calls for an applause for women, saying “they deserve it,” while praising their “tender hearts” and “ability to construct a more humane society.” The articles included in this issue provide an overview of the Key deliberations of the AJAN General Assembly 2024 and the variety of activities carried out by AJAN field Centers in support of AJAN’s mission as a Network.

The AJAN General Assembly 2024, held from the 18^th to 21^st March 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a pivotal moment for AJAN as members of the Network congregated to reflect upon and assess our collective progress. This gathering brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the ongoing Jesuit Youth Social Entrepreneurship Action (JYSEA) program and the review of the AJAN Strategic Plan 2021-2025. In the Assembly various insights were shared, decisions were made, and action plans were formulated to advance our collective goals. The report in this edition of AJANews aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the discussions, decisions, and outcomes of the meeting, offering valuable insights for all stakeholders involved.

Moreover, this month of March, AJAN is uniting to celebrate the African Women to “walk alongside the poor, those whose dignity has been wounded, the excluded and those who society deems worthless, in a mission of reconciliation and justice.” For the Jesuits, this means joining Christ in his mission to create a world in which justice and faith serve as the guiding principles for all that is done. For all of us as collaborators in Christ’s mission it entails lessening the social and economic marginalization of the most marginalized, including women, our young girls and vulnerable youth in order to promote and enhance the dignity of the human person.

In addition to the insightful discussions and events featured in this issue, we are pleased to announce to you the official launch of the Jesuit Youth Social Entrepreneurship Action (JYSEA) program, JYSEA. It is an added value of the AHAPPY program (value-based program recognized by UNAIDS to reduce HIV in children and adolescents) offering economic empowerment to the youth which brings a whole new approach in support of the youth and goes beyond simply intellectual and business skills by promoting innovative initiatives. Each accomplishment demonstrates our unwavering dedication and our commitment to driving positive change and integral development of young people.

As we delve into the contents of this issue, we invite you to celebrate our achievements and join us in our continued pursuit of working to promote well-being, mitigate the impact of the AIDS epidemic, limit its spread, and promote the dignity of life  among populations infected and affected in various ways.

By, Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.