In its bid to advance women’s leadership in Africa, SHEROES Foundation and the Elect Her in Africa (EHIA) initiative supported by the Joyce Banda Foundation and AU/Diaspora Africa Forum organised a three-day international meeting from May 8 to 11, 2016, in Dubai-UAE, with the theme: “African Women’s Leadership, Vision and Economic Empowerment”.
It was a gathering of powerful women- Presidents, Policy makers, Chief Executive Officers, Government Representatives, Entrepreneurs and Gender Activists. These amazons from Africa discussed how they are redefining pathways to power in business, politics and in communities.
According to the organisers, the aim of the meeting was to develop strategies to accelerate the strides being made and to stimulate dialogue between women and development partners on the opportunities and resolutions.
“This is in order that we may enhance women’s economic growth and ensure we are at the centre of development, peace and economic sustainability in Africa”, Maxine Menson said.
There were three panel sessions at which topics such as: The journey of female visionaries and pioneers in the political landscape; Gender equality is the mechanism that will lead to a well-balanced society and Barriers are not permanent were discussed
Other topics discussed were Mutual linkages: Infrastructure development in Africa and the link to Gender Equality and Engaging philanthropy to promote African women’s empowerment.
Dignitaries in attendance were H. E. Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Dr. Joice Teurai Ropa Muturu, former Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Mawuene Trebarh, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and Hon. Amina J. Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Nigeria.
Also present were Ms. Nolitha Fakude, Chairman, Sasol Mining, South Africa; Ibim Semenatari, Ag. Managing Director, NDDC; Sen. Geraldine Doe Sherif, CDC-Monsterrado Country, Liberia; Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Erieka, Founder and Head African Union- African Diaspora Issues; Fatema Aleghfeli, CFO and Dep. CEO, Dubai Media Incorporated.
Others were Maureen Umeh, Multiple Award winning TV news journalist, Fox News, Channel; Dr. Amb. Mahiba Khalil Shawky Ebrahim, Chairman, Humanitarian Affairs Authority, UAE; Nadia Murabet, a marketing communications, thorough bred from Switzerland; Mrs. Maureen Umanah, CEO/Editor in Chief, BillboardWorld Magazine, among other high calibre personalities.
