By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The African Women Conference (AWC), has announced a new venue for the 7th Edition of the conference, scheduled to hold from October 25-27, 2023.
This year’s conference will now hold in Adis Ababa, the Ethiopia capital with the theme: Reviewing the Economic, Social and Political Inclusion of Women and Girls in Africa’s Development Agenda.
A press statement issued by the Co-convener of AWC and founder of Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, and made available to journalists at the weekend, stated that the change of venue from Mauritius to Ethiopia was as a result of response from many of the participants and partners.
“It’s with excitement and gratitude that we announce a significant update to the highly anticipated 7th edition of the Africa Women Conference.
“In our relentless pursuit of excellence and engagement, and in response to the feedback from many of our participants and partners, we have made a thoughtful decision to change the location of the conference from Mauritius to Ethiopia.
“This change in host country is not just a change in geography, it is an upgrade to an experience,” the statement added.
While giving justification for the choice of Ethiopia, Ahmadu stated that Ethiopia is not only a hub of African unity, but the oldest independent country in Africa and the cradle of civilization.
According to her; “Ethiopia is more importantly, home to the African Union headquarters, thereby placing the AWC at the heart of African diplomacy and cooperation”.
She continues, “As you all know, the AWC is designed to proffer Afrocentric policy options to the challenges that African women face, and part of our strategy is to engage the stakeholders who have the authority to consider and implement these policy options and ensure that our voices are heard.
“The positioning of the AWC 7th edition will further amplify our collective voices and influence on the subjects that matter most to women’s advancement in Africa”.
The Co-convener also noted that Ethiopia offers more favourable travel connections for diverse participants from across the world, adding that this would not only reduce travel time, but it would also open new opportunities for cultural and business exchange for delegates and counterparts in Ethiopia.
“Also major stakeholders in Ethiopia have shown support and commitment to pushing the vision of the AWC and improving the participation experience of all members and delegates.
“The government of Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as about 41% of the parliamentary seats in Ethiopia are occupied by women.
“Hosting the AWC here aligns with our shared goals and strengthens our resolve to drive meaningful change.
“In our efforts to ensure a smooth and affordable travel experience, we are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. As the leading airline in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines share our vision for a successful conference and has graciously offered special rates and tailored services for all conference delegates.
“This collaboration promises an unparalleled journey to the heart of Africa, thereby adding to the overall enriching experience of the event”, she affirmed.
She, therefore, called on participants that the registration closing date has been extended to the 15th of September, 2023, stressing that the 7th edition provides an opportunity to consolidate on all the gains of the conference, and to ensure that the potential of every woman is fully harnessed towards the sustainable development of the continent.
Recall that the AWC is convened by the Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, an NGO in ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations in collaboration with Echoes Africa Initiatives, New York.
The conference is designed to be the foremost think tank for the development of gender polices that will promote growth, equity and sustainable development in Africa.
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