The Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone signed a partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with organizers of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network to host the 7th Annual Continental Convocation of the congress in Sierra Leone as a way to show Sierra Leone’s dedication to women’s empowerment and leadership development.
On Friday, August 18, 2023, in the State House in Freetown, the MOU was signed. The parties also briefed the media to inform the public of the preparations being made for the congress’ smooth hosting in the West African nation.
The founder and executive chair of the Young African Women Congress Network, Mr. Daniel Osei Tuffuor, explained the partnership’s motivations and praised the First Lady of Sierra Leone and the government of Sierra Leone for their impressive commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and women’s empowerment.
“Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio’s #HandsOffOurGirls campaign has helped to minimise child marriage, teenage pregnancy, rape and defilement in many parts of Sierra Leone. Hosting such an international convocation in the country will further put a spotlight on the gender aspirations of the country”, he stated.
For her part, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Dr Fatima Maada Bio expressed joy to partner with the international organization to host this remarkable event in the country.
“Sierra Leone is honoured to host this significant event, which aligns with its commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development,” she said.
The Young African Women Congress 2023 Annual Continental Convocation is scheduled to take place from the 20th to the 24th of November 2023 at the renowned Freetown International Conference Centre (Bintumani), Aberdeen in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The event is expected to attract approximately 800 participants, including young women from various African countries, renowned leaders, educationists, feminists, activists, politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and corporate and business leaders.
Young women from all around Africa will have a chance to interact, share ideas, and discuss important topics pertaining to women and leadership on the continent at the convocation.
The conference will emphasize empowering young women and supporting their role as change-makers in African nations, guided by the ideas of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants will take part in a number of panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and interactive forums during the convocation.
There will be a number of pre-Congress and side events, including as exhibitions, a celebration of Sierra Leone’s culture, and a cocktail event for business leaders looking to invest in Sierra Leone and other nearby nations.
Participants will be able to address challenges and opportunities in leadership and development within their own communities thanks to the chances for knowledge sharing, skill development, and collaboration provided by these activities.
A vibrant brotherhood of young women of African origin living in Africa and the diaspora is known as the Young African Women Congress Network. The network strives to empower young women and give them the tools they need to lead effectively and act as developmental catalysts.