To end the year, our country offices competed for recognition at the 2024 UNFPA Innovation Fair. The applications showcased the innovative spirit of UNFPA colleagues, from empowering girls in Senegal to produce reusable sanitary pads to leveraging technology to combat gender-based violence in Guinea.

Ultimately two projects stood out for their impact and visibility and won at the global awards ceremony.

Impact Award Winner: "Mobilizing Imams for Change" - UNFPA Mali

Yaye Diouf, Atikou Almikida Maiga, and Margot Dupé won the Impact Award for their work on establishing the "Assiyah Center" in Bamako, twinning a mosque with a One Stop Center.

« It's all about referral and counter referrals to leave no one behind. We were able to train over 2,000 religious leaders on providing counseling and raising awareness about gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights », explains Yaye Diouf.

The project, which builds on the idea that religious leaders can be powerful agents of change has been incredibly effective, reaching thousands through awareness-raising and supporting over 200 survivors so far. Yaye Diouf hopes to see the project reach even more people and achieve even greater impact in the future.

People's Choice Award Winner: "CAN of 3 Zeros" - UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire

The fervor generated by the African Cup of Nations (CAN) inspired Fabiola Kouakou, and Arnaud Legre to create an initiative that illustrates the importance of thinking outside the box.

To reach young people with important messages about HIV, unintended pregnancies, and GBV, Fabiola Kouakou and Arnaud Legre mobilized youth staff and young UN Volunteers to create content that spoke their language. 

«We also collaborated with former Ivorian football stars, who helped us break taboos, reach a massive audience, and generate real impact», explains Fabiola.

The public voted on social media, and the project earned the Digital Spotlight Award. Fabiola Kouakou and Arnaud Legre are hoping to inspire others now.