Women leaders from across the world speaking at the virtual edition of the 2023 Women Economic Forum West Africa, have called for an increase in female participation in male-dominated fields, and regulations to support and facilitate female-owned businesses contributing to the global economy.
The 88th edition of the Women Economic Forum (WEF); the largest and most reputable gathering of women leaders globally, which is in two parts, took place virtually from 8th-10th March 2023 to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
Key Speakers included Former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia & European Commissioner for Transport – H.E Violeta Bulc, Former Member of the European Parliament & Green Politician – Dr. Bodil Valero, Malaysian based Politician & Entrepreneur – Dr. Hartini Osman who is also the G100 Global Chair for Philanthropy, Business and Poverty Eradication, Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan – Artist, Filmmaker & National President, Arts Leadership Council for Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI), Dr Linda Pereira – CNN Commentator and President of L&I Communications and Audrey Mothupi – CEO of SystemicLogic Group, Johannesburg, South Africa who is also the G100 Global Chair for AI, Data & Cybersecurity.
Speaking on the theme ‘Amplifying Women’s Influence, Impact and Income for a Resilient Future’, the speakers stressed on the need to have more women in STEM fields, as well as increase female political participation, developing the creative economy and women’s investment in Agriculture.
There were further calls made for regulations that support and better facilitate female-owned businesses, while taxes on products used in industries highly dominated by females are reduced; to further encourage the contribution of women to the global economy.
The speakers also shared their stories of resilience, impact, resourcefulness, and the need for more communities of influence that support women’s development and growth. Other speakers include SharRon Jamison, Dr Kinga Mnich, Coralie Lolliot, Dr Naomi Osemedua, Tania Castilho, Aalia Lanius, Adeola Kingsley James, Dr. Neyla Benkadda, Frankie Picasso, Addobea Twum, Maria Fernanda, Jayanthi Ramanan, Edememe Oladiji-Wusu, Dr Regina Inem, Olatokunbo Ige, and Inimfon Colonel.
The 3-day Digital WEF West Africa had speakers from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, South Africa, Canada, France, India, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, USA, the UK, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden and attendees joined from many more countries around the world.
The Women Economic Forum (WEF) is a conference arm of the All Ladies League (ALL), an international non-profit organization founded by Thought Leader, Global Icon & Champion for Women, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai and it is headquartered in India.
ALL Ladies League (ALL) is the world’s largest All-inclusive international women’s chamber and a global movement for the welfare, wealth, and well-being of ALL by empowering women’s leadership.
For the first time in history, the in-person Women Economic Forum will be held in West Africa to mark its 88th edition; led by Dr. Alex Okoroji, President of WEF-West Africa who is also the G100 Global Chair for Media Arts & Communication. The three-day in-person event follows the virtual edition of the WEF West Africa which was held from 8th-10th March 2023.
The in-person event is slated to take place at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria from 10th-12th August 2023.
The forum is expected to be graced by eminent personalities such as the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia – H.E Chief (Dr) Jewel Howard Taylor, Founder & Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust – Dr. Neerja Birla, Founder & Global Chairperson of WEF – Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Former Deputy Minister of Slovenia – H.E Violeta Bulc and Special Adviser to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo – Dr. Chantal Yelu Mulop to name a few.
The 2023 Women Economic Forum in-person event will kickstart with presentations and panel discussions on Leadership & Management, Education, Tourism, and Media & Entertainment. Day one will conclude with a VIP Gala, which will celebrate and honour 100 Women at the Grand Luncheon in collaboration with G100.
Presentations and discussions on Politics & Public Administration, Diplomacy, Security & Defense, Law & Social Justice as well as STEM will mark day two of the Women Economic Forum, West Africa.
The final day of the conference will feature presentations and panel discussions on Business & Entrepreneurship, Banking & Finance, Agriculture & Farming, and Real Estate and Investment amongst other sector-related discussions.
The evening will be crowned with the Women Economic Forum Awards Dinner; during which 88 leaders (men, women & organizations) will be awarded at the WEF Award Gala on Saturday, 12th August 2023.
The Women Economic Forum seeks to create synergies in all sectors, increase the visibility of women leaders, and enable dialogue to inspire innovative practices that will ultimately have a positive effect on women’s income and contributions to society. This year’s event is supported by G100 and powered by The BRAG Media Company.
Previous editions of WEF have been held in India, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador, amongst other countries. The forum has previously been addressed by thought leaders from across the world including Heads of State, Nobel Laureates, Royalty, Ministers, Mayors, Businesswomen, and many more.
The Women Economic Forum West Africa is being led by Dr. Alex Okoroji, President of WEF West Africa, and supported by Clara Rufai (Director of Program), Natalie Fort (Director of Media), Cresta Durojaiye (Director of Operations), Adeola Kingsley James (Director of Production) and Judith Nkwopara (Director of Welfare).