Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI)’s Post

What an inspiring first day at #UNGA79! It was a privilege to be part of several impactful discussions and events that are shaping Africa’s future. At the CEO Roundtable hosted by our long standing partner, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGCNN) and the Milken Institute, with the theme "Galvanizing Africa to Move Forward Faster on the SDGs", I had the opportunity to speak on gender equality, which is a core thematic area for Sterling One Foundation and essential to driving sustainable development across the continent. I must commend Naomi E. Nwokolo. Esq and her team for an excellent outing. At the Foundational Learning event hosted by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and Human Capital Africa, with the theme "Focus on the Learning Crisis in Africa", I was inspired by Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, as she spoke passionately about addressing the learning crisis. The discussions highlighted the potential for Africa to unlock $6.5 trillion in productive value through foundational learning reform. I also participated in the launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center (AADC), a groundbreaking initiative that will help bridge the gap between Africans on the continent and the African Diaspora, serving as an institutional gateway that connects Africans and people of African descent to each other. The importance of harnessing the African diaspora’s influence and investments for Africa’s economic growth was front and center at this session given the diaspora’s role in driving partnerships and fostering innovation for Africa’s future. Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" rendered by his grand daughter, Mystic Marley, left a clear message of personal and collective action for delegates. My experience at UNGA79 has reinforced that while there is much work to do, the shared commitment of African leaders and stakeholders is undeniable. The conversations, partnerships, and actions I’ve witnessed offer real hope that Africa can make the transformative strides needed to achieve the SDGs. It is this shared sense of urgency and responsibility that gives me confidence that we can and will build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for the continent. #UNGA79 #SDGs #TheAfricaWeNeed #TheAfricaWeWillBuild

On this International Women's Day, as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world, it is imperative to acknowledge the significant role that women play in the economic stability and growth of nations, including Uganda. Women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce in various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare, entrepreneurship to education. However, their full potential remains untapped due to barriers such as gender bias, unequal access to resources, and limited opportunities for advancement. Unbiased inclusion of all women in Uganda holds the promise of furthered contribution to the nation's development. When women are empowered and given equal opportunities, they can drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance productivity. Moreover, investing in women's education and health leads to better outcomes for families, communities, and the nation as a whole. We commend the Republic of Uganda for its efforts towards gender inclusion thus far. By prioritizing policies and initiatives that promote women's rights, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, Uganda is paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and continue working towards a society where all women can thrive and contribute fully to the growth and development of Uganda 😎

I had the honor and pleasure of moderating this great panel at the Choiseul Africa summit in Geneva. I learned a lot about the path-breaking impact investing work carried out in Africa, especially by women, that I will be sure to implement in my classes at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the master's in sustainable finance at the CFD - Centre for Finance and Development. An interesting point of view was that when it comes to investing in Africa, almost every dollar has an impact. True. Nevertheless, we should ensure that it has a positive impact and be mindful of unintended negative consequences for people and the environment. Another issue is scaling up impact investments. Often, a lack of bankable projects is mentioned. My takeaway from the panel and the summit is that local impact investors have no problem finding bankable projects, and we should find the instruments to encourage the establishment of additional impact investment firms and channel funding their way. Thank you, Daouda Fall Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Christine Adejorooluwa, David Albertani, and Christian Speckhardt, for your insights, and Esther Perreau for your invitation. #impactinvesting #sustainablefinance

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. In many African countries, women face systemic barriers that hinder their full participation in trade and economic activities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization. Recognizing the crucial role that women play in driving sustainable development, the Equal Trade Women Alliance seeks to elevate their voices and leadership to catalyze meaningful change and create a more equitable future. 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲!

🌟 News from NURCE! 🚀 We're happy to announce that our team has submitted a policy note to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Women entrepreneurship policy in Kazakhstan. 📝 Our policy note sheds light on Kazakhstan's strides in promoting entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on women's participation in SMEs. While applauding the country's efforts in economic diversification and the notable contributions of female-led businesses to the GDP, we've identified a crucial gap: a gender-blind stance in government policies toward entrepreneurship. But fear not! Our analysis doesn't stop at highlighting challenges; it proposes concrete solutions. From gender-oriented financing programs to tax policy revisions and entrepreneurship education integration, our recommendations aim to empower women entrepreneurs and foster a more inclusive business environment. 💼💪 We're advocating for holistic approaches that combine policy reforms, improved resource accessibility, and financial education. Together, we can create a future where women entrepreneurs thrive, driving economic sustainability and gender equality. 🌐✨ Shumaila Yousafzai, Nazarbayev University’s Research Centre for Entrepreneurship (NURCE) Stay tuned for updates on this transformative journey! #WomenEntrepreneurship #PolicyInnovation #GenderEquality

I am Moyo Odejide, Founder, Shennovates, a catalytic hub focused on female entrepreneurs. Shennovates envisions a world where female-led and owned businesses are strategically positioned to drive innovation, economic growth and lasting societal change, whilst achieving global success. I reside in Lagos, Nigeria. My Favourite Sustainable Development Goals are SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth. These goals reflect my commitment to crucial aspects of human development and societal progress, they also resonate with my vision of creating a world where everyone has access to quality education, equal opportunities, and dignified livelihoods, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society. In advocating for my favourite SDGs, I work to promote awareness, policy advocacy, and direct action to address the systemic barriers hindering progress towards these goals. I will be participating in the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference that will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from the 9th-10th of May. My commitment to helping create a better world revolves around driving positive change and innovation to create a better world through purpose-driven innovation, social impact, ethical business practices, and leading by example. My message to Civil Society Organizations taking part in the Conference: In the spirit of collaboration and solidarity, let us seize this opportunity to amplify our impact and forge meaningful connections. Our diversity of perspectives, experiences, and expertise is our greatest strength, empowering us to tackle even the most daunting issues with creativity and resolve. #2024UNCSC #WeCommit

Swedfund Invests EUR 20 M to Boost MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs in West Africa Sweden’s Swedfund has committed EUR 20 M to Compagnie Financière et Immobilière Belgo-Africaine (COFINA) to enhance financial access for MSMEs in West and Central Africa. It will target women-led businesses in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. The funding, supported by the European Union’s EFSD+ initiative, will flow through COFINA subsidiaries such as FIN’Elle, focused on women entrepreneurs, and COFINA Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, serving MSMEs. This investment aims to address barriers to growth, foster local capital markets, and promote gender equality as a strategic driver of business innovation and sustainability. The partnership is expected to create jobs, enhance economic stability, and improve livelihoods in the region. #Swedfund #MSMEs #WomenEntrepreneurs #WestAfrica #EconomicGrowth #FinancialInclusion #SustainableDevelopment #COFINA #AfricaTech

Funding Opportunity 📣📣 Call for Proposals: African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) Open, KASA! and Komboa Grants The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is excited to announce the opening of applications for grants from eligible feminist and women’s rights organizations (WROs) led by historically marginalized and minoritized groups in Africa. We are offering three distinct funding streams: 1. Open Grants: These grants support projects that promote the rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Priority will be given to initiatives addressing structural barriers to gender equality and projects that empower women, girls, and gender-diverse people to lead activism for gender justice. 2. Kasa! Initiative Grants: These grants are specifically for projects addressing sexual violence and are available exclusively to Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) registered and operating in Ghana, Nigeria, and/or Senegal. 3. Komboa Grants: These grants are aimed at women and gender-diverse-led organizations and networks operating within Africa. They support initiatives empowering African women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to exercise their voice, agency, and leadership. #repost See full information here:https://lnkd.in/e3ePFFey #grants #womeninafrica #feminist #womenandgirlsopportunitues #fundingopportunities #grantsforwomen #womenorganizations #africa #gso #globalsouth

The #ENTREF project - funded by the European Union in #Burundi - is committed to promoting #genderequality and socio-economic #development. Aline's journey illustrates the transformative influence of the project's education and entrepreneurship skills training. 👉 Watch the video made by Sara Melotti 📹 The main achievements of the project: 1️⃣ Empowering women entrepreneurs ENTREF enhances entrepreneurial skills in sectors such as #agribusiness and handicrafts. Targeted #training addresses the low educational attainment among Burundian women, with the goal of sustaining micro-enterprises. 2️⃣ Improving financial access The project ensures women's access to #finance, which is crucial for business growth and economic empowerment. 3️⃣ Civil society participation Through partnerships with #civilsociety, the project promotes gender equity. Awareness initiatives have impacted 5,000 individuals, fostering sustainable behavioral changes. https://lnkd.in/dt6uveA2

The BOOOOOOOOMB Participation in the #Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) Gender and Inclusion Summit- “Reimagining Gender-Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships for Poverty Reduction” and the showcasing of the Women Business Center (WBC)model The event provided a key platform for highlighting the impact of Self Help Africa’s Rural Women Entrepreneur Project and empowering women in Nigeria. Self Help Africa’s participation in the Gender Summit in Nigeria was a significant milestone in advocating for women's economic empowerment. The summit, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors including government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners, provided a platform to discuss gender equality, women’s rights, and strategies for inclusive development. At the summit WBCs from rural communities supported by Self Help Africa were invited to share their success stories. These women were able to highlight how access to resources, financial services, and training had transformed their businesses and lives. Their testimonies demonstrated the tangible benefits of economic empowerment and the ripple effect it creates for entire families and communities. The summit gave an opportunity to Self Help Africa to network with other organizations and stakeholders working on gender equality and women’s empowerment. It fostered partnerships that will help to strengthen the impact of the Rural Women Entrepreneur Project and expand its reach to more communities across Nigeria. One of the standout initiatives presented at the Gender Summit by Booth owners was the Women Business Center (WBC) model, a cornerstone of Self Help Africa’s approach to empowering rural women entrepreneurs. The Women Business Center model has been instrumental in providing rural women with the tools and resources they need to succeed in business. The Women Business Center model was recognized as a scalable and sustainable solution to rural poverty and gender inequality. The success stories shared by women who benefited from the model helped to inspire other stakeholders to adopt similar approaches in their programmes. It also served as a call to action for policymakers to support more initiatives that empower women economically and socially in Nigeria. Self Help Africa received The Secretary- General, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor and her entourage in the RWE-WBC -SHA Booth to learn about the Women Business Centre Model. #AFLPM #PIC #GS-24 #NESG #GenderInclusio #Equity #PovertyReduction #UNWomen