Ethiopia named host of 2023 African women conference

Jummai Ahmadu, co-convener of the African women conference (AWC), says the 7th edition of the summit will be held in Adis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

The African women conference was earlier scheduled to take place in Mauritius.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ahmadu who is also the founder of Helpline Foundation for the needy, said the host country was changed after the responses received from various partners and participants.

She said the conference will focus on reviewing the economic, social, and political inclusion of women and girls in Africa’s development agenda.

The summit will be held between October 25 and 25.

She added that Ethiopia was selected due to the commitment of the government and stakeholders to the political inclusion of women and empowerment.

She said about 41 percent of the parliamentary seats in Ethiopia are occupied by women, adding that the country has one of the most facilitating travel connections for diverse participants from across the world.

“Also major stakeholders in Ethiopia have shown support and commitment to pushing the vision of the AWC and improving the participation experience of all members and delegates,” the statement reads.

“The government of Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as about 41% of the parliamentary seats in Ethiopia are occupied by women.

“Hosting the AWC here aligns with our shared goals and strengthens our resolve to drive meaningful change.”

The co-covener added that the 7th edition of the conference will serve as a platform where gender policies are promoted for sustainable development.