Graca Machel trust launches women advancing Africa forum

The Graca Machel Trust officially launched the Women Advancing Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania today. Focused on accelerating the economic advancement of women across the continent, the forum brought together hundreds of women from various African countries. The brainchild of Graca Machel, the widow of the late Nelson Mandela, the forum aims to create a common agenda for women's economic liberation and empowerment in Africa. With a vision to connect and empower women leaders, the forum targets three key areas: financial inclusion, access to markets, and social change. The overarching goal is to elevate women's roles in driving economic growth and societal transformation in Africa. The forum's core objective is to address the existing gaps in women's participation in the economy. While political participation has seen progress, economic liberation remains a challenge for women in Africa. By focusing on economics, science, and social transformation, the Women Advancing Africa Forum seeks to catalyze a movement that empowers women and strengthens their economic and financial rights. Through initiatives like a private equity fund investing in agribusinesses led by women, the forum aims to boost entrepreneurship and investment opportunities for women across the continent. The inaugural forum features prominent speakers, including Tanzania's Vice President Samya Saluhu Hassan and key figures like Gertrude Mongela, the first president of the Pan-African Parliament. The event will also showcase new studies shedding light on the opportunities and obstacles faced by women in various sectors. One such study, 'Women in Media: What is the Narrative?' conducted by Valentine Njoroge, presents critical insights into the portrayal of women in Kenyan media between 2015 and 2016. The research reveals that only 30% of media coverage focuses on women, highlighting the need for greater representation and gender equality in media. Over the course of four days, the Women Advancing Africa Forum will delve into pressing issues impacting women in the workplace and explore effective solutions to overcome these challenges. By fostering dialogue among Africa's influential women, the forum aims to shape a more inclusive future for both current and emerging female leaders on the continent. Graca Machel's vision of creating a pan-African agenda for women's advancement serves as a beacon of hope for millions of women seeking to assert their rightful place in driving Africa's economic prosperity and social transformation. As the forum unfolds in Dar es Salaam, the collective strength and determination of African women are set to unleash a wave of progress and empowerment that promises to reshape the continent's economic landscape. By championing women's economic participation, financial inclusion, and societal value, the Women Advancing Africa Forum paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for women across Africa.