The 9th Africa Women Conference (AWC) has ended in Accra, Ghana, with delegates adopting far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, expanding economic empowerment, advancing digital inclusion, and accelerating cultural reforms across the continent.
The conference organised by the Helpline Social Support Initiative, brought together policymakers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, development partners and young advocates under the theme “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
In a communiqué, presented by a veteran Nigerian actress, civil servant, and communications consultant, Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta, delegates reaffirmed the urgency of dismantling structural barriers affecting African women, insisting that “women must occupy political, corporate, academic and traditional leadership roles.”
The conference agreed to “promote inclusive leadership by advocating affirmative action policies, gender quotas, and pathways that ensure more women occupy decision-making spaces.”
Participants also resolved to “strengthen intergenerational collaboration” by institutionalising mentorship networks between established leaders and emerging innovators, noting that young women continue to face limited access to guidance platforms.
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Digital literacy featured prominently, with the conference resolving to “integrate STEM education into community programmes, particularly for rural and marginalised groups,” and to support women-centred innovations through hubs that “accelerate women-led enterprises.”
Delegates further agreed to “collectively dismantle discriminatory laws and harmful cultural practices” that restrict women’s rights, stressing that Africa’s cultural heritage must “elevate women rather than limit their potentials.”
On economic inclusion, participants committed to expanding women’s access to “credit, digital banking, cooperatives and investment funds tailored specifically for women.”
A major outcome was the creation of a Pan-African Women’s Film Initiative to “document and amplify women’s stories from an authentic African perspective” and strengthen feminist knowledge production.
Advancing Women’s Empowerment
Delivering a goodwill remark, at the event, Founder of She Forum Africa, Ms Inimfon Etuk said the conference reflects the “power of collective action and the unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and leadership.”
Represented by Mrs Asiya Sani Sulaiman, she noted that the theme, “resonates deeply with our mission to harness the potential of women and girls” adding : “Investing in women is investing in Africa’s future,” describing the conference as “a unique platform… to share experiences, expertise, and best practices.”
Similarly, Little Miss Kogi, Queen Aishat Salau Audu, speaking on behalf of African children, said: “Today is a special day. We are celebrating the strength of African women.”
She expressed gratitude for the foundation women have built, noting: “We, the children of Africa, are watching you… and we are proud of you.”
She urged leaders to continue opening opportunities for girls. “Teach us. Guide us. Protect us,” she appealed, adding that “when you build the right path, we will walk on it and make it even better.”
Reaffirming children’s aspirations, she said: “We are ready to learn. We are ready to grow. We are ready to build this continent with you.” She closed with appreciation to organisers for “giving children like me a voice,” and thanked Nigeria for its support.
In her message, the AWC Co-Convener Dr. Jumai Ahmadu expressed gratitude to Ghana for its hospitality, applauding partners and volunteers whose work “became the compass for everything we celebrated here in Accra.”
She urged delegates to return home ready to “mentor younger women, invest in girls’ education and STEM, support women-led businesses, and use technology to solve local problems.”
“Let the next edition of AWC be filled with testimonies of what we achieved after Accra 2025,” she said.
Participants believe that the outcomes from AWC 2025 will accelerate Africa’s gender progress, empowering women, fostering leadership, digital inclusion, mentorship, and grassroots transformation continent-wide.