The Women's University in Africa and the United Nations Children's Fund yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two institutions partnering in a number of education and training programmes.

Among other initiatives they plan to embark on, the institutions are launching a new post-graduate diploma in Child Sensitive Policies aimed at increasing the national capacity to address the effects of poverty and inequality on children and women's rights.

WUA vice-chancellor Professor Hope Sadza said that the MoU was a culmination of several months of negotiations and discussions between the two institutions. "We hail Unicef"s unwavering track record in development work, particularly through education and the uplifting of the welfare of children and women which is self-evident," said Prof Sadza. "This partnership is therefore very fitting as the core values of both institutions emphasise on empowering women and promoting their fundamental rights and those of children."

She said that one of the key objectives of the MoU was development of academic programmes in areas related to gender and gender-sensitive social policies.

Unicef country representative Dr Gianni Murzi said that his organisation was increasingly working with the Government and partners to support the development of laws and budgets that promote the well being of women and children.