As African Women Converge on Accra for 9th Africa Women Conference (AWC) the Co-convener of the conference, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, has expressed optimism that the conference would connect generational strength with emerging technologies in line with the theme: “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
Ahmadu, who spoke to journalists on arrival to Accra, said: “We are here to celebrate the women who have gone ahead of us to water the ground…and explore ways we can leverage technology to ensure that things are done right.”
The Co-convener, who is also the Founder, Helpline Social Support Initiative, a non-profit organisation based in Abuja, noted that the gathering would advance strategies for integrating AI and digital tools in Africa’s education systems while preserving cultural relevance and equity.
Also speaking with journalists, the Chairperson of Women in Parliament, and member of House of Representatives, Hon. Fatima Talba, also expressed optimism on the expected outcome of the conference.
Harping on the urgency of women’s political inclusion in Nigerian and the African region, she said the conference was important, “particularly now that we are fighting to pass the special seat for women bill in parliament at the National Assembly.”
Talba, who bemoaned the decline in women representation in the parliament and leadership in Nigeria, stated: “With 469 in the National Assembly and we have only 20 women. This is totally bad.”
The lawmaker, representing Nangere/Potiskum Federal Constituency, warned that without numbers, anything that comes for women cannot pass through the National Assembly because women are not in the majority.
She linked low representation to poverty, stressing “If you don’t have money, you cannot contest. No matter how beautiful your views… nobody will care about you.”
She also urged political parties to improve on women inclusion in party leadership rather than just giving one woman the position of a woman leader in the midst of 30 men.
In the same vein, the former Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, maintained that women, who make up more than half of Nigeria’s population, must form a critical mass in places of decision making, and implementation for the country to make expected advances in development and nation building.
Lending support to the ongoing campaign for the passage of the Special Seat for Women Bill, Dr. Aliyu said: “We will lobby extensively up to the presidency. We will lobby Mr President. Mr President is a gender-friendly leader.”
According to her, for the bill to be passed, it must transcend beyond lip service hence the need for more commitment to the campaign.
Blueprint reports that AWC, organised by the Helpline Social Support Initiative, is a vital platform dedicated to empowering women and girls across Africa, and brings together stakeholders, policymakers, experts, organisations, businesses, and passionate individuals.
They come together to share ideas on issues affecting Africa, especially its women, aiming to inspire positive change and development across the continent.
