The Chairperson of the 10th Africa Women Conference, Princess Hauwa Aduda, has urged African women to translate a decade of commitments into tangible results, calling for stronger economic partnerships and increased participation in public decision-making.
Aduda made the call in her address at the 10th anniversary edition of the conference in Accra, Ghana, where delegates are examining strategies to advance justice, economic empowerment and leadership for African women and girls.
According to her, the theme, “A Decade of Impact: From Commitments to Action, Advancing Justice, Economic Power, and Leadership for African Women and Girls,” places a collective responsibility on participants to deliver practical outcomes.
She said the success of the gathering would be determined by actions taken after the conference rather than discussions alone.
“Every discussion should help us identify an action, a partner and a practical way to follow through,” she said.
Aduda urged women not to allow limited resources or humble beginnings to constrain their ambitions, encouraging them to develop their skills, embrace technology and seek mentorship.
“Your starting point should never become the limit of your ambition,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Phinada Group of Companies and Founder of PHPA Grassroot Girls STEM Alliance stressed that investing in girls’ education was critical to preparing them for opportunities in science, technology, entrepreneurship and public leadership.
She called on accomplished women to support others through mentorship, professional networks, internships, scholarships and investment in women-owned businesses.
On regional cooperation, Aduda urged delegates to establish partnerships capable of connecting women-led enterprises to new markets, knowledge, skills and investment opportunities across Africa.
She noted that women entrepreneurs should be able to build business relationships across borders, exchange expertise and explore opportunities for joint ventures.
Aduda challenged participants to leave Accra with concrete agreements, stressing that partnerships should extend beyond exchanging contact details to meaningful collaboration and market access.
She also urged women connected to political and public office holders to bring community concerns into policy discussions and advocate programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, safety and leadership.
Encouraging qualified women to seek elective positions, she said women must be given opportunities to influence policies affecting their lives.
Aduda said the conference’s next decade should be defined by measurable commitments, including mentoring younger women, supporting women-owned enterprises, creating opportunities for girls and strengthening cross-border partnerships.
“Start small. Aim high. Keep learning. Build partnerships. And as you rise, help another woman rise with you,” she said.
The 10th Africa Women Conference is holding in Accra from Nov. 4 to 6, 2026, to reflect on a decade of engagement and establish priorities for advancing African women and girls.
