By Felix Khanoba
The 2021 Edition of the Goodwill Ambassadors African Women Conference, one of the most anticipated women conferences, is set to hold in Abuja, the nation’s capital territory.
The event, being organised by Goodwill Ambassador Events Agency in collaboration with the African Union, Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and Wewe Network Afrique, is scheduled for Saturday 30 October and will take place at the Ladi Kwali Conference Hall of Sheraton Hotels and Towers Abuja.
Speaking on the event, which has its theme as ‘Breaking Barriers’, the convener, Ambassador Chris Odey, said the conference is aimed at honouring some African women for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the country’s economy, especially in the area of women empowerment and other sectors.
He said that women have made tremendous progress and considerable marks, thereby occupying enviable positions of leadership and authorities in various sectors in
Amb. Odey said some of the women through determination and hardwork today are occupying enviable position adding that the feats is worth celebrating.
He said, “We have about six female Group Managing Directors of major banks in Nigeria today, an African woman as head of the world bank, World Trade Organization and Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.
“We have celebrated having a woman as the President of a country in Africa, Speakers of Parliament etc. As much as we celebrate these feats, we also hope to see more of these exploits”.
He further disclosed that about 1, 000 participants across Africa will be in attendance with Amb. Adaora Onyechere (Head Women Affairs and Gender Cluster Committee Africa Union Ecosocc Nigeria ) as Chief Host and the Deputy Chief wipe in house of representatives, Hon Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha be the keynote speaker.
Odey explained the line up of the event to include; paper presentations from notable speakers from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, South Africa, Gambia, Zambia, Malawi, Senegal and Nigeria.
He added that the speakers for Nigeria will address critical issues bordering on gender parity, financial inclusion for women in business, more slots for women in politics and governance amongst others.
Other deliverables of the conference he listed, include, launch of the African Girl Child Empowerment Trust((TAGCET) Fund worth strategic areas of funding which includes Mental Health, Skill Acquisition, Education, Sports Development and Special needs/disability empowerment and the Unveiling of Africa Leading Women Magazine.
The last segment of the event he added would be the gala and award night where 100 distinguished African women will be recognized, awarded and celebrated.
Odey said: “We look forward to having women in the business community, academia, politics, religious and women opinion Leaders, entertainment industry, sports and Art, etc as the platform will enable a robust participation and broad based networking amongst our proposed audience which includes First Ladies of countries and States, Commissioners of Women Affairs, Heads of MDAs, Captains of Industries etc”
