On the occasion of African Women’s Day, the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA), under the leadership of Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, is hosting a celebration featuring 16 prominent African female leaders. This event continues the success of the series of virtual conferences and webinars that have garnered participation and attention from across the continent. It is part of the activities and efforts of the African Women’s Committee within the association.
Yesterday, a webinar titled ‘African Women’s Day’ was organized by the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) to mark this special occasion. The webinar saw distinguished participation from several Egyptian entities and countries across the continent, such as Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and the Deputy Governor of Qalyubia, in addition to leading female figures from Africa who shared their inspiring stories and experiences. The goals of the webinar were multifaceted and comprehensive, highlighting the crucial role of women in achieving economic and social development.
Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, Chairman of EABA, opened the event, stating: ‘I am pleased to be here today for this exceptional webinar celebrating African Women’s Day, which follows a series of successful webinars organized by our association. The presence of pioneering and creative women from across the African continent at this event reflects our ongoing efforts to support and empower women in all economic and social fields.’
Dr. El-Sharkawi added: ‘The Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) has launched the African Women’s Committee to highlight the vital role women play in sustainable development, believing that African women still need further empowerment. This committee works diligently to enhance opportunities for women in business and government by providing support, guidance, and advice to help them reach their full potential.’
He concluded: ‘We believe that investing in women is not just a matter of rights but a fundamental pillar for economic and social development. By providing platforms like this webinar, we open new avenues for communication, sharing experiences, and successful strategies. Our goal is to empower women to access available opportunities and excel in various fields, and we are committed to continuing this support at all levels.’
Engineer Abeer Lahita, CEO of Egtrans and Chair of the Transport and Logistics Committee at the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA), emphasized the need to empower African women in ways that align with our cultures and origins.
Ms. Iman Rayan, Deputy Governor of Qalyubia, highlighted the importance of providing fair and equal opportunities between men and women within the vision of the 2030 plan, stating: ‘We are working to provide fair and equal opportunities between men and women within the 2030 vision.’
Dr. Blessing Erabor-Oza, President of the Women in International Trade (OWIT) Nigeria, stated, ‘Without women, no country or continent can succeed,’ highlighting the vital role women play in various fields.
Dr. Elisha Atai, Founder and Global President of AWLO, emphasized the idea of gender equality and justice for women, adding: ‘We stress the idea of equality and justice for women and the promotion of leadership.’
Ms. Dalia Mahmoudi, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, discussed their efforts to improve financial and economic inclusion for women in Egypt.
Mr. Adama Jai, CEO of Newforce Africa and Co-Founder of the Fixpolitics Initiative in Senegal, underscored the importance of women’s participation in state development and the provision of their basic rights.
Dr. Randa Rizk, Expert in African-American Anthropology and Secretary-General of the Arab Council for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, emphasized their efforts to provide women with a decent life and support their education and culture.
Ms. Jacqueline Piemer, Trade Policy Expert and Partner at Protrade Africa Consulting in Uganda, stated that ‘Community empowerment of women can support us all.’
Ms. Mehleth Germar, Trade Expert at the African Trade Policy Center (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), noted that ‘Trade will significantly increase if we empower and equip women.’
At the end of the webinar, Ms. Tosin Sosanaya, CEO of Ayestso Ltd and Association Representative in Nigeria, moderated the session, emphasizing the importance of improving gender equality indicators and enhancing women’s role in entrepreneurship.