The 3rd African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) conference that kicked off in Johannesburg, unites hundreds of women from across the continent in a five-day forum aimed at tackling systemic gender inequalities.
With the theme ‘Women’s Voice and Power as Agents of Change’, the gathering seeks to dismantle political, economic, social, and cultural barriers that hinder women’s progress.
The 3rd African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) conference has commenced in Johannesburg, bringing together hundreds of women from across the continent to address deep-rooted gender inequalities. This five-day gathering, running from January 27 to 31, serves as a platform for discussions on political, social, economic, and cultural challenges that hinder women’s progress.
Riah Phiyega, CEO of the Women Development Trust, emphasized the need for women to take charge of their own empowerment.
The conference, themed ‘Women’s Voice and Power as Agents of Change’, has drawn around 1,000 participants, including 16 representatives from each African nation. Officials, entrepreneurs, students, and activists are engaging in discussions, speeches, and cultural performances that highlight the urgency of breaking systemic barriers.
One delegate from Comoros acknowledged the internal challenges women face in uniting for a common goal. « We must recognize that sometimes, our biggest challenge is ourselves. Instead of fighting each other, we should focus on overcoming shared obstacles, » she said.
Another participant expressed her determination to use the conference as a catalyst for change.
AfWID continues to be a crucial space for African women to strategize, collaborate, and drive meaningful change in their societies.
