{Press Release}
More than fifty women made a pledge to invest in other young women to make Africa a better place for all at The Women Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Africa symposium which held in South Africa. The event which took place in early this month consisted of panels and workshops on topics such as role of technology in media, tackling social perceptions of African women, entrepreneurship and the influx of western brands to the continent.
In a press release signed by Mr. Temitayo Erogbogbo, Executive Director Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), The Women Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Africa Symposium, hosted by founder Dee Poku, in conjunction with Mrs. Toyin Saraki, former first lady Kwara state and Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), was the first women’s conference on the African continent to bring together female leaders from all works of life around Africa to empower and inspire the next generation of women.
Mrs. Toyin Saraki, a supporter of the UN Secretary General’s Every Woman Every Child effort, said: “It has been an honour and privilege for the Wellbeing Foundation Africa to partner with Dee Poku to make this WIE Symposium a reality. I remember getting home after attending my first WIE Symposium in New York two years ago, and being so energized by all the people that I had listened to and met, that all I wanted to do was share the experience with others. I’m sure the women that attended went back home with the same feeling.”
Encouraging the fulfilment of women’s potential, Mrs Saraki further stated, “A woman who is more aware of her body and health is a woman that can follow her dreams to change her community. Being a part of WIE Africa has enabled us and our beloved continent to forge a new narrative, one of inspiration and entrepreneurialism.”
On her part WIE’s CEO Dee Poku said “WIE Africa exceeded my expectations. Women leaders across the continent have been working diligently for years to improve the situation of the female population but WIE Africa brought them together.”
She added, “Individually these women were a powerful force but together we are unstoppable. My profound hope is that all the WIE attendees will make good on their pledge to invest in at least five women over the next 12 months.”
Jane Wales, President and CEO of the Global Philanthropy Forum spoke on a panel named ‘Innovation In Health And Education Post Millennium Development Goals’ She said “WIE Africa is an opportunity for women of accomplishment and creativity to come together, learn from one another, and contribute to one another’s success. It is both an honour and a joy to be among such warm, smart, talented and giving leaders. I hope that this is the first of an annual event to help encourage other women and helping fulfilling their dreams.”
Mrs Toyin Saraki also hosted a fundraising dinner to benefit the Graca Machel Trust which was founded in 2010 to promote women’s leadership and children’s rights.
WIE Africa was timed to coincide with this year’s World Economic Forum Africa and will occur in a different African city annually
