The Africa for Africa Women’s Organization will mark the International Women’s Day with a conference focused on the role of co-ops and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in women’s empowerment across the continent.
The event features experts, entrepreneurs and relevant ministers from Africa and representatives from global organisations. Already in its second edition, the conference will take place on 7-9 March at Feather Market Centre in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
One of the keynote speakers is Ms Pumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, the UN under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women.
The conference will explore the role of women co-ops and SMEs in meeting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent.
“Annually, thousands of events are held throughout the world on 8 March to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. AAWC2017 is not only about the commemoration of the international women’s day, but the kick start of intra and intercontinental collaboration towards the realisation of Vision 2063 through case study and round table engagements,” said conference convenor Bea Hackula, herself a business leader.
The conference will explore how to grow local economies and ensure sustainable livelihoods through effective women co-operative structures. The event will analyse trends in particular sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and textile, hospitality and tourism and finance.
Organisers hope the conference will provide a platform to create a dynamic network of women leaders and entrepreneurs to champion the cause of women emancipation.
