Summit champions women’s empowerment at Emperors

The ninth edition of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit convened at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace on March 8, commemorating International Women’s Day with an impressive gathering of female leaders and pioneers from across Africa.

The event is one of the largest female summits in Africa.

This year’s theme was Women Unscripted: Powering Innovation and Impact in Africa.

Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, ANC treasurer general, delivered the keynote address, stressing the collective efforts to shatter perceived barriers for women.

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She highlighted that many so-called glass ceilings were mere constructs, and women only needed the courage to venture forward and seize opportunities.

Ramokgopa also addressed the persistent challenges and inequalities women face globally.

Despite notable progress, she said one in 10 women still grappled with extreme poverty, with even graver circumstances for those in conflict zones.

Additionally, she shed light on the disparate healthcare outcomes for women across African nations, calling for concerted efforts to uplift marginalised women and girls.

Underscoring the imperative of gender equality, Ramokgopa stressed the need for African nations to align with the UN’s sustainable development goals.

She advocated for initiatives such as increased procurement from women-led businesses and emphasised the role of academia in promoting gender equality through practical research.

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She also stressed the importance of celebrating achievements while acknowledging the need for continued collaboration and innovation to overcome existing challenges.

Speaking to the Bedfordview and Edenvale News, SA singer Shekinah acknowledged that she is not using her platform “enough” to advocate for social change.

“It has been heavy on my heart with all the social injustice that has been happening. What is my responsibility?

“This has been a question for my 2024, knowing what my responsibility is, and I think attending events like this and educating women regardless of age plays a role,” said Shekinah.

She emphasised the importance of sharing resources and supporting other women.

Shekinah urged perseverance when facing obstacles and highlighted the importance of prioritising personal well-being.

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As one of the speakers on the day, she said, “I think it was crucial for me to speak. I feel I have to share information and use my voice in more ways than one, which is why it was vital for me to be here.

“The more I sit here, and even in conversation with you, I realise it is important to see other women standing on business at this time of the morning to know I am not the only one awake and working.”

She also announced that she would release her new single, Risk, on March 22.