FORBES WOMAN AFRICA
Leading Women Summit 2021
Happy International Women’s Day!
I happen to attend the 6th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit this year. The event brought together a unique collection of women from all walks of life to lead the discussion on the theme: Africa Reloaded: The Power Of The Collective. For me, it was an educational and eye-opening event. Little did I knew that Africa as a continent has some incredible women, who are working hard towards a better Africa and new world order. I am happy to share my notes here and some powerful quotes that we heard during the event. I promise if you read through them you will be left inspired and motivated!
A woman should be two things: who and what she wants.
A poll was conducted asking “Do you think COVID has also been a gender pandemic?” and the majority said Yes!
We are uniquely extraordinary, being ordinary is a choice.
Only when all people are vaccinated will the world be safe. Africa needs more doses.
Equality does not mean you have to treat everyone in exactly the same way. It means seeing each one´s ability + value & rewarding it accordingly.
If we bring a diversity and gender lens — This world will be a kinder better place. Sustainable development will not be a dream but a reality.
The long list of women lost to the pandemic is a reminder of how fragile life is. How we must strive to live each moment as if it were our last.
We need to invest smartly to promote gender equality. Economies cannot grow and progress without investing in and empowering women.
Even in the most terrible situations, there is something you can use for growth and build on, so do not waste a good crisis caused by Covid-19.
An isolation economy that works for women... brings balance between home and workplace…empowers the world and stabilizes our future.
Key lessons from China which has lifted the most people out of poverty:
1. Political will
2. Public policy
3. Partnership
Women are overrepresented in informal & SME areas of the economy & are materially disadvantaged. Recovery policies must make women central to be inclusive.
Africans should disrupt themselves on education the foundation of human. Be tired of expecting others to solve your problems.
If we are not measuring it, we are probably not doing it.
Underfunding is quite a challenge. It’s encouraging to hear how other women are creating Economic Inclusion opportunities and choosing to challenge what cannot be business as usual.
40% un-bankable women are huge when women constitute the backbone of most economies in Africa.
We really need to create financial opportunities for women in Africa. Collateral security and access to markets is truly an obstacle. We need financial institutions to evolve and innovate in their quest to serve women.
The reasons for the clearly highly bankable to be considered unbankable are societally flawed.
Consider how women stretch the currency and even through raising families contribute to future economic development. But if we just think of the earning and income-generating potential of women just by using our hands, our minds, our hearts, and very being. From farming to survivalist entrepreneurs to social enterprising to STEAM fields, the arts included there, to corporate to crowdfunding to be staying at home mother. It all contributes to nation-building and stimulating the economy. Women must be funded.
Women must be Digitally and financially inclusive.
The digital currency leaders are moving the unbanked on the continent into new currency platforms. Financial literacy is needed.
Private Equality is still a man’s world.
58% are woman entrepreneurs and only 7% are funded by private equity
Laziness will kill you not hard work.
In a life where you can live in peace of mind is wealth.
A life where you are around ppl who don’t pull each other but empower them.
Bravo Forbes Leading women!! Through this event will look back on the year that changed everything but looks forward to resetting Africa on a new path to recovery, growth, and inclusivity.
