AWLO Global Conference Beckons

From all indications, all is set for the annual global conference of the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) to hold in Virginia, Washington DC, USA.

Plans for the upcoming event were unveiled at a recent press briefing in Lagos which had in attendance the founder, Elisha Attai and other stakeholders like the Matron of the Youth Assembly of AWLO, Dr. Arene among others.

Flying with the theme ‘We’ve got the power’, this year’s conference is aimed at empowering women more to go beyond their limits and make positive impact in their society.

This was further elaborated by Attai who stated that the strategic conference which would unfold at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City will provide an opportunity to harness and enhance leadership potentials of women and to channel these into promoting the unity and development of the African region, as well as giving various speakers a veritable platform to share their stories, engage and inspire other women in a convivial atmosphere.

Since its inception in 2009, AWLO conferences has become a Mecca to women from different walks of life across the African continent and beyond because of its championing cause for women empowerment, gender parity, and the advancement of women in leadership.

Apart from the conferences, Attai revealed that there are now various State Chapters in Nigeria and Country Chapters of the organisation scattered across the globe to ensure that the message of the organisation trickles down to the women at the grassroots and also positively impact their lives.

It is indeed a testament to Attai’s continued vision to have a continent where women take their rightful place as home and nation builders with equal opportunities and equal access in all areas of existence.
Expected speakers at the conference include Folorunsho Alakija, Angelle Kwemo, Eveline Pierre among others.

Additional features of the conference include Summit of the Next Generation which has been specifically designed for preparing youths for better performance in leadership. Resource persons will be inspirational women who will help equip participants with intellectually-stimulating tools that would redirect their energies and bail the continent out of the quagmire of poverty, corruption, insecurity and political crises.

There will also be an AWLO Distinction Awards where women of various spheres who have demonstrated sterling achievement in business, commitment to the course of women and leadership would be honoured. The men are not left out in this recognition. For the first time, the non-profit organisation will reward men who have been supportive of women in their career and leadership pursuits.
Arene also pointed out that AWLO has become an organisation that has a holistic approach to issues affecting women from the cradle to the family, adolescence to adulthood.

She spoke passionately about the lead project that was launched in Akwa Ibom State, which would be replicated across the country. “The project of empowerment is going on in Rivers State where ordinary women are being financed and provided with branded stalls for their petty business.

Already, the Lagos Chapter just concluded a free digital training for 150 women in collaboration with Google. We also have the educational intervention to inhabitants of two IDP Camps in Abuja.”
She also talked about AWLO’s unique project, ‘One Mother, One Child’; a project she says portrays the African woman as a social mother by adopting a hapless child and seeing that child through his or her education.

On this project, Attai added “This is one project close to our heart. It is mandatory for all full members of AWLO to adopt and train one child that is not theirs biologically. We will encourage more Nigerians and corporate bodies to join us in this noble cause.” The conference will hold from August 16 to 21.