For a long time coming women have sought ways to collaborate for their voices to be heard and needs met, in Africa a number of organizations have gathered women, encouraged and empowered them, with some haven achieved some success. However, African women in dialogue, AFWID, a women’s dialogue movement brings together a remarkable collection of women from all walks of life, from government leaders, to entrepreneurs, students, public servants, activists, and lots more.
The AFWID dialogue, convened by the Women’s Development Business Trust (WDB Trust), which was founded in 1991, focuses on empowering women and rural communities. After successfully hosting two consecutive dialogues in 2018 and 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s attendant challenges interefered with the organization of the third edition of the dialogue. Interestingly, AFWID is set to host an inclusive gathering of 1000 African women in Johannesburg, South Africa this year, with 16 persons of various classes, and backgrounds representing the 55 countries live in a special 5-day dialogue (27 – 31 January, 2025), with the theme, ‘Women’s Voice and Power as Agents of Change’.
Speaking about the event, Riah Phiyega, CEO of WDB Trust, stated that “What sets this summit apart is its focus on inclusivity,”
Dr Chinyere Julie Chukwudebelu, Coordinator for AFWID in Nigeria and Regional leader Anglophone and Lusophone West Africa, emphasized the inclusiveness of the movement by reiterating that 60% of women who would participate in this 5-day dialogue would be marginalized and oppressed women, some of whom have not previously embarked on any international travels.
AFWID offers these women, alongside the remaining 40% who are randomly selected a chance to have a voice and restore their self-esteem, a space where the voice of every African woman counts, a space where women’s ideas count, all with the aim of advancing women’s contribution to African and global agenda.
AFWID’s week-long forum empowers women’s voice and provides these African women a safe space to discuss issues plaguing women, from gender equality to economic empowerment, health care, among others, therefore encouraging collaboration, and oneness among African women. AFWID provides a platform for Community building between different African countries and backgrounds, forged relationships, lasting partnerships and also shared purpose to tackle common challenges that affect African women regionally. In the movement’s 2025 conference there will be capacity building through workshops and training sessions, equipping these women with valuable skills to become active agents of change, and encouraging them to take up leadership positions in their various communities.
According to Dr Chukwudebelu who is also a member of the steering committee for AFWID 2025, “What makes this all the more interesting is the fact that there would be an inter-generational panel discussion that would comprise persons born in 1995, beyond 1995 and women who actually attended Beijing 1995. This is what AFWID stands for, Everybody in one space irrespective of age, educational background and status.”
As part of this year’s program, time will be dedicated to commemorating Beijing +30, marking 3 decades since the Beijing platform for action and also preparing for the global convening at the UN commission on the Status of Women.
Also part of AFWID 2025 agenda includes thought-provoking keynote speeches, interactive workshops, networking sessions, and cultural showcases, the climax of which would be a visionary declaration to be presented at continental and international forums.
