16 Eswatini delegates to join 1 000 women from across Africa
SOUTH Africa will be hosting a groundbreaking gathering of 1 000 women, 16 from each of the 55 African countries next week.
Eswatini will also be represented by 16 women, who were recognised for their outstanding contributions and expertise, which are instrumental in advancing the objective of women’s empowerment and leadership across the African nation.
Convened by the Women's Development Business Trust (WDB Trust), established in 1991 to empower women and rural communities, the African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) fosters an inclusive platform for women from all walks of life.
The week-long forum to be held at Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg between January 27 and 31 provides a space for women to reflect, connect, and develop strategies to overcome the persistent challenges they face.
By emphasising collective power, solidarity, and sisterhood, AfWID aims to uplift women and inspire meaningful change.
WDB Trust CEO, Riah Phiyega, emphasised the summit's unique focus on inclusivity.
She noted that 60 per cent of participants were women from grassroots communities – urban and rural, many of whom have never travelled internationally.
“Their voices, perspectives, and experiences will be central to the discussions, making this a truly representative and transformative forum,” she said.
The event will bring together a diverse group, including business leaders, government officials, civil society members, entrepreneurs, activists, academics, students, and homemakers.
“Following two successful dialogues in 2018 and 2019, AfWID is thrilled to resume this vital initiative after a pandemic-induced hiatus,” she said.
Phiyega explained that as the world grappled with political shifts, climate change, conflict, poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality, the AfWID3 would harness the energy, innovation, and creativity of African women to shape solutions for a better future.
The AfWID3 agenda includes thought-provoking keynote speeches, interactive workshops, networking sessions, and cultural showcases, culminating in a visionary declaration to be presented at continental and international forums.
Under the theme ‘Women's Voice and Power as Agents of Change’, AfWID3 will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 countries.
The forum will reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Phiyega said they were also looking to explore how African women could collectively contribute to the Beijing Declaration anniversary, ensuring a meaningful impact on this global forum.
“It's about leveraging the power of collective efforts as we work together to reimagine the future we want,” she said.
The review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action will take place at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women from March 10 to 21 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
“We are rewriting the narrative of African women as passive participants in societal development. Together, we will showcase the transformative power of women's leadership across every sphere of life,” concluded Phiyega.