History was made in the vibrant city of Nairobi as the Women Who Win Africa: The Audacity Conference 2024 brought together some of the continent’s most influential female leaders and changemakers. The conference, under the theme “Closing the Gender Representation Gap in Nation-Building,” served as a resounding call for women to rise to leadership roles and actively participate in shaping the future of Africa.
Spearheaded by Dr. Louisa Akaiso, this groundbreaking event convened an impressive lineup of women leaders and stakeholders from various sectors, including Oil and Gas, Energy, Technology, and Education. Among the distinguished attendees were Hon. Sen. Amb. Hezena Lamaletian, a passionate advocate for youth and women empowerment, and Her Excellency Ida Odinga, a celebrated leader and staunch supporter of gender equality in governance. The conference also welcomed Ambassador Gertrude I. Mongella, the First President of the Pan-African Parliament and a global icon in women’s rights advocacy, whose keynote speech set the tone for the event.
One of the most significant and emotional moments of the conference was during a special session led by Ambassador Gertrude Mongella. In a heartfelt and deeply symbolic gesture, Mama Mongella declared, “I believe I can now rest because I have seen the one to take the baton for the next generation. Dr. Louisa, you are a power force for the women leadership that the world is waiting for to empower women who will lead and transform Africa.”
This statement resonated with the audience, bringing many to tears as Mama Mongella, a towering figure in women’s rights, passed on the mantle to Dr. Akaiso. She prayed fervently for over 30 minutes, blessing Dr. Akaiso and symbolically releasing the baton of leadership to her. This powerful moment became a defining highlight of the conference, cementing the significance of the event as a bridge between generations of women leaders.
Mama Mongella’s gesture signified not just her faith in Dr. Akaiso but also the continuity of a legacy dedicated to empowering African women. Her act of passing the baton was not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action for all present, urging them to carry forward the mission of closing the gender gap in leadership and governance.
Her Excellency Ida Odinga also delivered a stirring keynote, calling for greater representation of women in political and economic leadership. “Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table,” she remarked. “It is time for us to be heard, to lead, and to drive the change we want to see in our nations.”
Hon. Sen. Amb. Hezena Lamaletian, known for her groundbreaking work in diplomacy and community development, spoke passionately about the need for cross-generational leadership. “The baton must be passed, but it must also be sharpened. Emerging leaders need the mentorship and support of those who have blazed the trail before them,” she noted, sparking engaging discussions among the attendees.
The event’s visionary host, H.E. Sen. Hezena Lemaletian, presented an impactful report on the conference’s outcomes before the Kenyan Senate during the Thirteenth Parliament’s third session. This bold move underscored the urgency of the gender equality agenda, demonstrating a commitment that resonated deeply with attendees and observers alike. Her report highlighted actionable strategies and projects spearheaded by Women Who Win Africa (WWWA), emphasizing their unwavering dedication to cultivating women leaders ready to champion transformative change.
Kenya’s leadership received significant commendations for its proactive stance on gender parity. President William Ruto was celebrated for his steadfast pursuit of equality, while Senate President Rt. Hon. Senator Amason J. Kingi and pioneering African women leaders like Mama Gertrude Mongella were lauded for their unwavering support. The conference also spotlighted the indomitable spirit of Africa’s women leaders, emphasizing their pivotal roles in shaping inclusive futures.
Dr. Louisa Akaiso, the driving force behind WWWA, called on women leaders, politicians, and aspiring changemakers to embrace audacious leadership and claim their seats at decision-making tables. Her impassioned message ignited a wave of determination among attendees, setting the stage for impactful leadership initiatives across the continent.
The event also featured notable figures from the energy and oil sectors, including representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Their participation highlighted the growing importance of inclusivity and the pivotal roles women play in traditionally male-dominated industries. Their contributions underscored the conference’s mission to bridge gaps and shatter barriers.
The atmosphere throughout the conference was one of empowerment, unity, and purpose. Women leaders shared their personal journeys, discussing the challenges they faced and the victories they achieved. Attendees described the experience as transformative, with many leaving inspired to pursue leadership roles in their respective fields.
As the conference concluded, Dr. Akaiso announced the much-anticipated 2025 Audacity Conference, set to take place in Tanzania. The announcement generated palpable excitement, as attendees pledged to continue the work started in Nairobi. “This is only the beginning,” Dr. Akaiso said. “The movement is growing, and Tanzania 2025 will be an even greater milestone in our journey to transform leadership in Africa.”
The Audacity Conference 2024 not only celebrated the progress African women have made but also illuminated the work that lies ahead. It demonstrated that the journey to closing the gender representation gap in leadership is both possible and necessary. The participation of esteemed figures like Ambassador Gertrude Mongella, Her Excellency Ida Odinga, and Hon. Sen. Amb. Hezena Lamaletian amplified the message of hope, resilience, and action.
The passing of the baton from Mama Mongella to Dr. Akaiso was more than a moment; it was a movement, a powerful reminder that the legacy of empowering African women will endure for generations to come. Those aspiring to lead are urged to mark their calendars for Tanzania 2025, where the next chapter of this extraordinary journey will unfold.
As the world turns its focus toward Africa, the momentum generated by this landmark event is undeniable. The next phase of this journey begins on January 2, 2025, when registration opens for the next edition of WWWA’s transformative programs. This is a call to action for women ready to rise, lead, and inspire.
In the meantime, the world watches as the ripples of the African Women Audacity Conference 2024 continue to spread, amplifying the voices of women who are boldly rewriting the future of leadership. The journey has only just begun, but its impact is already profound.
