Published on 28/09/2024
The Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) initiative is set to launch, uniting women leaders and organizations to drive social and economic change across Africa.
This groundbreaking, diaspora-led effort will be unveiled at an exclusive event on September 26, 2024, during the UNGA High-level Week and New York Climate Week at the Goals House in New York City.
The initiative aims to harness the power of philanthropy to address critical issues and foster sustainable development. The launch marks a significant step towards empowering women and transforming communities across the continent.
Billed to feature a diverse gathering of attendees, including foundation executives, decision-makers in the third sector, and business leaders, the event will open with an official welcome address from Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy.
There will also be panel discussions featuring prominent speakers such as Almaz Negash, CEO of African Diaspora Network; Melissa Stevens, EVP of Philanthropy at Milken Institute; and Wanjira Mathai, MD for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute.
Stephanie Busari, Senior Africa Editor at CNN Worldwide, will moderate the discussions, emphasizing the importance of applying a gender lens in philanthropic investments to better support women-led initiatives.
Co-founded by notable figures including Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, Chairperson of The Nigeria Philanthropy Office; Dr. Sindy Zemura-Bernard, CEO of Southern Africa Embrace Foundation; and Dr. Anino Emuwa, Managing Director at Avandis Consulting and Founder of the Africa Women CEOs Network, WIPIA will focus on how catalytic philanthropy can create significant impacts in areas such as education, health, climate solutions, and technology innovation.
Ekiyor-Solanke states, “The overwhelming response to WIPIA’s launch confirms it is a pivotal step towards redefining philanthropy in Africa by amplifying women’s voices and contributions within this sector.”
For Dr Emuwa, she is confident that the initiative will “foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovative approaches to philanthropy, ultimately driving sustainable development across the continent.”
Among the dignitaries expected to grace the event are the First Lady of Malawi, H.E. Mrs Monica Chakwera, and Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, HM Hannatu Musawa.
