African Women Leaders Network South Africa

Celebrating Heritage Day 🇿🇦

The African Women Leaders Network in South Africa is hosting a workshop on the six pillars that have been identified as areas of focus for 2023.

This virtual workshop will gain high level insights from pillar members to accelerate the women empowerment agenda.

We are still celebrating. Connect with us as we join State of the African Diaspora in the Pan African Women's Day commemoration.

This online event is convened under the theme
"Towards an inclusive and Sustainable Development in Africa Empowering Women and girls".

Zoom login details:

Meeting ID: 876 9041 6032
Passcode: 512 905

6pm South Africa Time Pretoria

Today marks the Pan African Woman's Organizations 61st anniversary. PAWO celebrates decades of championing progressive initiatives aimed at eliminating discrimination of women as well as the protection of human rights.

PAWO since it's inception has been a trailblazing organization of fearless, brave and resilient women who have consistently integrated issues of women with the liberation agenda on the continent and in the diaspora.

As we commemorate PAWO's span of existence we appreciate the advances made towards the social and economic emancipation of women.

We are cognizant of the work that awaits all of us as social partners. Work that irradicates poverty which still disproportionately affects women. Work that advocates for gender parity in the workplace. Work that will advance equal pay for equal work across sectors.

As the African Women Leaders Network South Africa we pledge unwavering solidarity with the oldest multinational feminist organization on the continent and pathfinder of the feminist movement.

We encourage women across the country to join the virtual celebrations of Pan African Women's Day.

Connect on the link below:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkfu-gqT8uHNLWVne-QJsR5lDeMnaRNxkS

Young Women of Africa as led by Continental Convenor Prescious Banda shared their appreciation of the four Vice President to the Gambia, H.E Dr. Isatou Touray and honored her fighting spirit that leads the fight for women who are mutilated and oppressed.

Vice President of the Pan African Women's Organization (PAWO), Bathabile Dlamini, gave a beautiful and uplifting speech in honor of H.E Dr Isatou Touray.

She shared about the common experience of women in high levels of leadership and reflected on the toxic traits of patriarchy.

She encouraged all present to pledge a commitment to the advancement of women and to fight patriarchy and educate proponents of patriarchy towards an Inclusive society.

She gifted the former Vice President of Zambia with Zulu beads in honor of her visit to South Africa and the solidarity of women of Africa.

Patrons of African Women Leaders Network of South Africa as led by the President of AWLNSA H.E Charlotte Lobe honored Dr Touray for her exceptional leadership as well celebrating the patron's contribution to the successful launch of AWLN Gambia.

Ms Karabo Mohale the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA Board honored Dr Isatou Touray.

In heartwarming message she shared how the feminist movement of South Africa had taught her alongside many other young women, that women lift each other up, support each other, learn from each other and most importantly, fix each other's crown.

In expression of her gratitude for Dr Tourays visit to the youth of South Africa to share from her well of knowledge and forge strong partnerships she gifted Dr Touray with a beautiful Zulu hat.

The 20th of June marked 122 years since Charlotte Mannya Maxeke made history in a historic attainment of a BSC degree from Wilberforce University in America, making her the first black South African woman to do so.

It was only fitting that the Chairperson of the Charlotte Maxeke Institute alongside the AWLN SA President honor the visit to South by H.E Dr Isatou Touray with a gift.

Dr Isatou Touray an International scholar, graduate her Masters at the University of Suss*x and later attained her doctorate in the Netherlands.

This is proof positive that women are trailblazers even in the academic arena.

The Investment Roundtable was a phenomenal success and proof positive that women are fundamental to the continental growth trajectory. We are greatful to the NYDA team for creating this intergenerational, intersection platform.

Investment and Partnership Specialist of the NYDA, as well AWLNSA head of communications Morongwa Mothiba served the NYDA Investment Roundtable as a Co-Host

She was responsible for steering the conversation around access to market, finance and trade on the African Continent.

Refresh and rewind:

African Women Leaders Network Gambia Patron H.E Dr. Isatou Touray presented an address to the National Youth Development Agency Investment Roundtable.

She spoke at a high level on Intra African collaborations and leveraging the AfCFTA for youth empowerment.

The former Deputy President of the Gambia engaged young chiefs on their ability to contribute meaningfully to the empowerment of young people.

She also interacted with the Continental Convenor of Young Women of Africa on their unifying and uplifting work.

Let's redial to The Investment Roundtable of the National Youth Development Agency, The AWLN South Africa Patron H.E Charlotte
Lobe High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore gave an address that dwelled at large on trade, education and other development initiatives young South Africans can participate in.

Flashback to some noteworthy moments in June:

Ms Mohale the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency and AWLN Patron participant in Women's Economic and Finacial inclusion as well as Head of Young Women Empowerment for the Young Women of Africa, hosted a groundbreaking Investment Roundtable.

This year's Roundtable focused on Unlocking Investment in Human Capital for an Inclusive Economy.

This event was led by the Deputy President of the country Honorable Paul Mashatile and had AWLN Patrons H.E Isatou Touray as well as H.E Charlotte Lobe delivering keynote address.

The event further recieved an address from President of Concord Women in Business Global Ms Aphiya Musavangana.

Every child in South Africa has a right, and the purpose of Child Protection Week is to raise awareness about the rights of children in South Africa, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as well as the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.”

Anyone who needs help can contact the toll-free number: 0800 428 428 or *120*7867 # free from any cell phone

Childline South Africa on 0800 055 555

Child Welfare South Africa 011 452 4110

Let's Accelerate the Implementation of AfCFTA for African Women's Economic Inclusion.

"Today is World Cancer day. Please send all cancer patients, cancer survivors and cancer victims and their families a message of love and hope. Because we all know that cancer is a deadly disease and there is no cure. And treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are more painful than the disease.

Can we please send them a message of hope and wish them a healthy life going forth."

Bosa Ledwaba
AWLN Patron and Cancer Survivor

Merry Christmas and happy new year. Wishing you all the best this season.

This afternoon at 12, a nationwide moment of silence will be observed as we remember victims of Gender-based Violence and Femicide.

Part of the retreat dealt with mobilizing resources for women & youth to be integrated into the economy. Morongwa Mothiba African Women Leaders Network South African Chapter Head of Communications with Madam Benita Diop, AU Envoy for Women Peace and Security and Convenor of AWLN & her Excellency former Vice President of the Gambia Isatou Touray.

On Economic empowerment, Ms Coumba Mar Gadio of encouraged to empower themselves and leverage on networking and visibility to attract donors and sponsors.

On how to transform our economies with AfCTA, Dr Isatou Touray, VP of laid emphasis on leveraging on and to propel economic and social progress.

Dr Amany Asfour reiterates the value of as a tool to leverage young women leaders in trade.

The future generation of African being empowered at

In his address at , Resident Coordinator encouraged to continue to be proactive, resilient.

I offer you my shoulders to stand on said H.E Sahle Work Zewde President of in her address to the Young women of Africa. That's the spirit of

In her address at H.E Monique nsanzabaganwa reiterated the relevance of to galvanize participation towards the Africa that we want.

The African Union Youth Envoy Ms Chido Mpemba shared her insight of intergenerational knowledge exchange at the 4th International Generational Retreat held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

African Women Leaders Network Patron, former President of Liberia Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressed the 4th International Generational Retreat held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
African Women Leaders Network UN Women African Union Youth Program African Union

📢The 4️⃣th of the starts today!
ℹ The theme is African Young Women Lead-Mobilizing Partnerships and pathways for Economic Empowerment, Sustainability and Financial Inclusion
Visit our website for more ➡️ bit.ly/3i6rupr

Prof Lululama Makhubela will be laid to rest at St Albans Cathedral Church Pretoria at 8h30am tomorrow.

South African Women In Dialogue - SAWID

Bereavement Notice

It is with great sadness that SAWID joins our many partner organisations, including
universities and educational institutions, to mourn the sudden passing of one of our most
loyal servant leaders, our beloved Prof. Lulama Makhubela, a research and intellectual
capital specialist who had more than thirty-five years of practical experience in teaching and
engagement, as well as being a deeply passionate gender activist, who acted as the
Convenor of the UN Women Feminist Movements and Leadership Action Coalition in South
Africa, as well as Chairing the SAWID Development Commission and leading its Research
Pillar.
Prof. Makhubela had studied at the University of Zululand and the University of the Western
Cape, where she obtained a PhD in Library and Information Sciences. During an illustrious
career, she had been an academic staff member at Zululand, Walter Sisulu and Western
Cape universities, and had worked at the then South African Management Development
Institute (SAMDI), at the National Research Foundation (NRF) , as Director of Research at
the National Development Agency (NDA), at Wits University as Director of Transformation
before moving to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and later the Tshwane
University of Technology (TUT) as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Postgraduate Studies,
Research & Innovation. She was until recently a Research Associate at the Gordon Institute
of Business Science (Gibs), a Business School of the University of Pretoria, and served on
the National Research Ethics Council (NHREC) as well as chairing the Board of the Sedibeng
TVET College Council, and serving as Executive Member of the TVET College Governance
Council.

Her friends remember her as a “tender voice full of Wisdom and Love,” as “an advocate for
mental health”, as “a class act” and a “giant”, “a dresser of note with a beautiful taste for
clothes” who counted amongst the “brilliant brains of Africa.”
SAWID extends its deepest condolences to the family, and the many friends and colleagues
of Prof. Lulama. Her absence will be deeply felt in all the different spaces described above.
She was a woman of deep faith, of powerful friendships and networks, and her compassion
for the wellbeing of all will forever inspire all those of us who were fortunate enough to know
her and collaborate with her. May her eternal soul rest in peace. One love, one heart. Lala
Ngoxolo, dearest Prof.
A virtual memorial service will be held by SAWID on Monday the 28th of November at
5:00 pm. Here is the link.
South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR OUR BELOVED PROFESSOR LULAMA MAKHUBELA
Time: Nov 28, 2022 05:00 PM Harare, Pretoria
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85473336428?pwd=c1lER2psbFlYZHJCOEtKY2dDTGZKUT09

Meeting ID: 854 7333 6428
Passcode: 517499

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday the 30th of November at a venue and time still
to be shared.

For those who wish to make a contribution, please make use of the following account:

D.E. Mhlari
62068633017
FNB Account

The Secretary General of the African Women Leaders Network South Africa taking a walk through the exhibition stalls at the Second National Presidential Gender Based Violence and Femicide Summit held at Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand this morning.

One Day to Go 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Please nominate young women peacebuilders from this platform, it is the right thing to do; right?

These awards aim to inspire young women and gender non-conforming persons who are building a better tomorrow for their communities in South Africa.

Engagements include combatting gangsterism, xenophobia, gender-based violence, peace work during the July unrest, First responders to violence and conflict, Mediators or facilitators of conflict, Setting up of organisations or clubs that facilitate peace, Running advocacy campaigns for peace, Promotion of peace through art and culture

​Apply or nominate Young Peacebuilders are those aged between 18 – 35 recognized by their peers or communities or nationally as having contributed significantly to sustaining peace.

​The winners receive national publicity and prize money. They are chosen by a panel of experts including distinguished practitioners, political figures, and the media.

​Entries are open from 10 August 2022 – 15 September 2022

Entry forms and details are online at

www.sanap-wps.org/awards

Yesterday, a seed was planted, the Inaugural South Africa-Singapore Women's Roundtable was a resounding success and the beginning of infinite conversations amongst women leaders of our great nations. The Roubdtable brought phenomenal women together to have a meaningful dialogue. We were inspired by all speakers, their rich experiences and their commitment to collaborate beyond the Roundtable and create streams in a desert. YES, we are women, we always create streams in a desert, create beautiful things out of the ugliest of situations. We rock that way!

South Africa and Singapore women leaders demonstrated how we can leverage the power that women already have, the power of making something out of nothing. Like a roundtable, the conversation is infinite. This in essence means that the docussions that started at the Roundtable are limitless or better still, endless in space, extent, or size. The value will no dpubt be immeasurably or inconceivably great. Beyong the Roundtable women will continue the discussions in their different networks and seek new and innovative solutions to the elephant in the room everywhere in the world: "Women's Economic and Finacial Inclusion". The Roundtable was unanimous that women are innovators in their different spaces, creators of wealth, movers and shakers.

The 2nd priority identified by the Roundtable is changing the the gender narrative through creative arts and focusing on economic activities that are based on the generation or exploitation of knowledge and information. Increasingly, women are making their mark in businesses with creativity at their heart such a design, music, publishing, architecture, film and video, crafts, visual arts, fashion, TV and radio, advertising, literature and the performing arts. Throughout history, creative arts have played important role in influencing social change through fashion, poertry, books, paintings, playwrights etc. Today, art and creative pursuits are increasingly used to change gender narratives and promote gender equality with great success.

From the success stories shared by Panelists, the economic exclusion and discrimination of women is pervasive, systemic, and structural. If we are serious about achieving gender equality, this means that our interventions require the strategic dismantling of systemic barriers that marginalize women; and continue to perpetuate inequality in the global economy. Women continue to phase multiple intersectional barriers that perpetuates their exclusion from meaningful participation in the economy. Despite this reality, they continue to step-in and step-up by using their unique insights, passion, and perseverance to bring new ideas to life, disrupt business models, break industry norms, and coach the next generation.

The real work has now begun. In the coming period the focus will be on how we action the great ideas that emerged from this conversation and ensure that next year when we convene we report on the tangible and sustainable projects that emanated from this inaugural Roundtable.

Charlotte Lobe
President African Women Leaders Network South Africa

African Women Leaders Network South Africa was highly represented in the 1st South Africa Singapore Women’s Roundtable.

One of the key take aways from the session was the emphasis on the need for networking and support.

The advancement of gender equality and women's participation in the Trade Table is very critical to the progress of soceity.

The 9th of August marks a day in history when brave women from all over the country took a stand against the mandatory pass laws, by marching to the union building. They did this to protest laws that were aimed at restricting their movement in urban areas.
The women’s march is an eternal symbol of the strength of character and unity of purpose that can overcome even the greatest of obstacles in ensuring women’s meaningful participation in their society.

The modern-day woman is not restricted by laws, but by violence that targets them for being women and makes the roads on which they should travel freely potential crime scenes. This is an urgent crisis that requires even more radical change to ensure the safety of women and their freedom of movement.
As we recognize the exceptional act by women of 1956, we also reflect on the challenges that women are facing under-representation in several sectors of the economy, gender pay disparity, and the inherent need for gender-responsive budgeting and policy in all spheres of government.

These challenges are by no means small, with the increased collaborative effort exemplified by our heroines, change is inevitable.

For Immediate Release
31 July 2022
Attention all Media Houses

The African Women Leaders Network South Africa celebrates PAWO on its 60th Birthday

Happy Pan African Women's Day! Today we celebrate the strides that the Pan African Women’s Organization (PAWO) has taken in the liberation of the African continent as well as the reduction of all forms of discrimination and oppression against women and the girl child.

PAWO was formed in Tanzania in 1962, a year before the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was formed. The founding mission of PAWO was and remains bringing together African women’s organisations in a single platform, to facilitate sharing of good practices and enabling joint action. The founding principles aimed to unite African women and advance the struggle for African liberation from colonialism and oppression. Through this, PAWO became the liberation movements collective women's wing body. In achieving the above, PAWO became a platform for:

1. Promotion of human rights with a view to eliminating any form of discrimination, irrespective of birth, race, religion or s*x;
2. Supporting political, economic and social liberation of the African Continent to contribute to the progress of its peoples through conscious, real and constant action;
3. Ensuring full integration of women in economic and social development, to accelerate the promotion of African women so they can achieve full development;
4. Promoting through friendship, understanding and cooperation an effective unity between African states and;
5. Establish lasting relations of friendship and cooperation between women in Africa and throughout the world; and
6. Fighting against poverty and disease.

With various issues that continue to affect women throughout the African continent, the organisation aims to solve political, economic, social and cultural problems of women in Africa.

We further congratulate all women who have been awarded by PAWO at this years’ celebrations, including, Dr Clarice Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma who today received an award from the Pan African Women’s Organization, for her contribution in elevating the issues of women on the continent.

Issued by the Secretary General on behalf of the National Assembly of AWLN SA.
Enquiries:
Morongwa Mothiba +27 71 164 0378

Welcome Home Banyana Banyana. Thank you for flying the South African flag very high.

The African Women Leaders Network South Africa joins the multitudes in celebration of Desiree Ellis the Head Coach of Banyana Banyana on winning the CAF Women's Coach of the year Award.