Amidst Renewed Vigour, African Women Summit Holds In South Africa

The 4th edition of the African Women Summit (AWS) held at the Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town, South Africa has successfully come to an end with far-reaching outcomes to assist participants unlock their potentials.

The summit, which held from May 11 to 13 2023, and tagged “Women Driving Impact for Sustainable Development in Africa,” brought together trailblazers, entrepreneurs, activists, changemakers, and leaders from over 40 countries in Africa and the diaspora.

In her keynote address, Maldives Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi, shared some personal life stories, the hurdles she had overcome and the strategies she employed to overcome barriers in her career and personal life.

Part of the activities at the summit was a panelists’ session in which topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, mentorship, women driving Impact, women political participation, entrepreneurship, career advancement, personal development, and social impact were discussed.

The event also had experts from Stellen Bosch Business Institute leading workshops, sharing invaluable insights and providing hands-on guidance to help women overcome the challenges they face in their careers and daily endeavours.

The Summit, an annual event organized by Engage Empower Educate Initiative, celebrates diversity and inclusion, and stresses the need for women empowerment.

In his remarks, the Convener and the Executive Director, Engage Empower Educate Initiative, Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart said African women are well endowed to change the political and economic narratives of the African continent.

He said numerous potentials of women have not been fully harnessed, which in his opinion will further accelerate development across board when fully tapped.

“African women are beautiful, talented and intelligent. Unfortunately, the numerous capacities God has graciously injected in them have not been fully tapped. The male dominant factor has denied women the needed inclusion to drive a positive change in the political, economic and social spheres on the content.

“In the western world, women are viewed as partners and key stakeholders in driving development and I believe Africa can be better for it, if the ecosystem is made more conducive for women to thrive”, he stated.

Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, who is also the founder Africa Women Summit further added that the platform was created provide an opportunity that encourages women to network, connect, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

At least 200 women from over 24 African countries took part at the event.

Highlight of the summit was the sharing of success stories to inspire and encourage others.