Women of Africa unite to tackle challenges

More than 1 000 women from countries across Africa will gather in South Africa this month for a five-day event aimed at advancing women’s contributions to continental and global goals (Global Agenda).Approximately sixteen women from each of the 55 African countries are expected to attend the African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) event, taking place from 27 to 31 January.“What sets this summit apart is its focus on inclusivity,” said Riah Phiyega, CEO of the Women’s Development Business Trust (WDB Trust), in a statement this week.The WDB Trust, established in 1991, empowers women and rural communities. AfWID brings together women from across Africa and provides an inclusive platform for women to reflect on strategies to address the ongoing challenges faced by African women.“Sixty percent of the participants are women from grassroots areas – women from urban and rural communities, many of whom have never travelled outside their home countries.“Their voices, perspectives and experiences will form the heart of the dialogue, making this a truly transformative and representative event,” Phiyega explained.Business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, activists, academics and students will also attend the event.Shaping the futureThis year marks the third edition of AfWID, following its launch in 2018 and 2019. The event did not take place during the Covid-19 pandemic.“As the world faces challenges such as political shifts, climate change, conflict, rising poverty, unemployment and economic inequality, AfWID3 will harness the energy, innovation, and creativity of African women to shape solutions for a better future,” Phiyega explained.The AfWID3 agenda includes keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and networking sessions.Under the theme 'Women’s Voices and Power as Agents of Change', the AfWID3 gathering will commemorate, among other milestones, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which was unanimously adopted by 189 countries. The forum will also reflect on progress made and the goals still to be achieved.“We aim to explore how African women can collectively contribute to the commemoration of the Beijing Declaration to ensure a meaningful impact on this global forum. It’s about leveraging the power of collective efforts as we work together for a better future,” Phiyega added.The review of the Beijing Declaration will take place during the 69th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women, scheduled from 10 to 21 March at the UN headquarters in New York.“We are rewriting the narrative of African women as passive participants in social development. Together, we will showcase the transformative power of women’s leadership across all spheres of life,” Phiyega concluded.

Women of Africa unite to tackle challenges

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

Please login to leave a comment

Women of Africa unite to tackle challenges

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login