AfWID: WOSSO young women leaders make a mark

Johannesburg, 07 February 2025 – The African Women in Dialogue (AfWID) 2025 conference concluded successfully at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, bringing together dynamic women leaders, activists, and policymakers to discuss the future of African women beyond the Beijing Declaration. The conference served as a transformative space for dialogue, advocacy, and reflection, with 23 Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellows from Sub-Saharan Africa actively participating.

Before attending the AfWID conference, WOSSO Africa Fellows had a field visit to Soweto, where they visited the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Peterson Memorial, and other historic sites. This immersive experience allowed them to connect with South Africa’s rich but painful history and was a powerful reminder of those who fought against oppression.

Gender Links (GL) facilitated communications training, run by Deborah Walter, at the Gender Links Cottages (GLC), equipping Fellows with the skills to articulate their advocacy goals, engage stakeholders, and navigate media platforms effectively. During a panel discussion, WOSSO Fellows, Zintle Khobeni De Lange, Vimbai Nyika, Nokwethemba Mnomiya, Nokukhanya Khumalo, and Ohenewaa Constance Ankoma shared success stories and case studies related to blogging, websites and the use of poetry as an effective medium for communication. Fellows also had the opportunity to share the progress they have made so far with their advocacy plans and shared some successes and challenges.

GL Special Advisor Colleen Lowe Morna, led an insightful session on fundraising for advocacy initiatives. The training provided practical knowledge on securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and sustaining impactful projects.

One of the most powerful moments at #AfWID25 was the Beijing Panel discussion, featuring WOSSO Fellows Dan Entseya and Jennifer Abomnger. The session sparked deep conversations on “Reimagining Our Future Beyond Beijing”, reflecting on the strides made in women’s rights and the urgent need for renewed commitment and action. Participants engaged in insightful discussions on policy gaps, economic empowerment, disability rights, diversity, inclusion and the collective role of African women in shaping a more just and equitable future.

WOSSO Fellows visited the British High Commission in Pretoria and met with the High Commissioner Antony Phillipson.  Select Fellows presented their advocacy plans to the High Commissioner, who committed to facilitating linkages with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Posts in the Fellows’ respective countries. The discussions centered around backlash against women’s rights and explored the role of the UK in supporting gender equity initiatives in South Africa. Fellows passionately outlined strategies to push back against resistance and ensure the sustainability of women-led movements.

In an evening of wisdom and mentorship, Colleen Lowe Morna, hosted and brought together the two Wise Women Ambassadors Thenjiwe Mtintiso and Athalia Malokomme for dinner at her residence along with the WOSSO Fellows, to discuss intergenerational leadership, policy advocacy, and coalition-building for African women’s advancement. The conversations reinforced the importance of mentorship and solidarity in overcoming gender-based challenges.

During the AfWID convening, WOSSO Fellows ran a Workshop centred on finding creative ways to counter backlash against women’s rights. Women from across Africa expressed how backlash manifests itself through the use of drama, poetry, song and dance.  The workshop provided a platform for participants to share experiences, promote advocacy, and inspire new strategies for change, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and approaches in confronting these challenges.

The conference culminated in the AfWID Celebratory Dinner, a moment of unity, recognition, and celebration of the work done by African women throughout the conference. Attendees networked, danced and shared personal experiences from across the African region in a pleasant atmosphere.

AfWID 2025 concluded with renewed energy and a strong commitment to amplifying women’s voices, strengthening advocacy efforts, and challenging backlash against gender equality. Participants pledged to carry forward the lessons learned, implement their advocacy plans, and continue the dialogue on advancing African women’s rights beyond Beijing and into the future.