AfWID: Women as Agents of Change

The 3rd African Women in Dialogue (AFWID) conference saw the participation of women from all the regions of Africa to amplify their voices against issues affecting them and build momentum for sustainable change. From 27th -31st January in Johannesburg- South Africa through workshops and side events , I joined other women to express a shared vision for gender equality and justice in the continent.

While making reference to the twelve critical areas of Beijing Platform for Action, the plights of African women were re-echoed. These include but are not limited to sexual and gender-based violence; conflict and insecurity, harmful practices, redundant policies , low political representation and leadership, broken health care systems, refugee crisis and poverty, with women bearing the brunt of these mishaps.

As women called on each other to reclaim their power and demand change, they also acknowledged that solidarity is not enough. Putting their declarations into actions were fundamental for sustainable change .

Some of the commitments from the conference:

• Empowerment through my voice and networks
• Economic empowerment of women
• Solidarity and personal accountability
• Protection and safety for women
• Strengthening the African women’s movement.

Young and dynamic women who are fellows of Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) engaged during this conference and shared their perspectives. “Beyond policies, we need to make sustainable structures for people living with disability.” Jennifer Abomnger , WOSSO Fellow, Nigeria. After participating and engaging in conversations at AFWID 2025, Ohenewaa Constance Ankoma , from Ghana expressed appreciation to the organizers for taking into consideration the representation of young women and the need to lead by example in communities “… for an important gathering like this , we should put in place pad banks to help women who are menstruating during the conference.” She recommended.

African women were called upon to recognize the power of their voice and building networks for change and solidarity. My appreciation goes to the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) for inviting me and funding my participation at this conference.

(By Eucharia Nkengafack, a WOSSO Fellow)