Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2024 Recap

Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women's Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance

Graduate Centre, City University of New York (CUNY) 25th September 2024

L-R; ( Dr Ibiruro Ken Giami, Executive Director Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO of Women’s World Banking)

 
Key Themes

The Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2024, held on September 25th, 2024, at the Graduate Center City University of New York (CUNY), was a remarkable success.
The Global Power Women Conference is an unparalleled international event dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and connecting women leaders from all corners of the globe. Renowned as the prestigious global convocation of women leaders, this conference is not merely an event, but a transformative experience, methodically designed to convene top global women leaders, gender diversity champions and stakeholders including trailblazing women from diverse sectors to lead discussions on topical issues, share their journeys, insights, and strategies for overcoming obstacles and driving impactful change.
In a world where gender equality remains a pressing issue, the significance of this conference cannot be overstated. It aims to create a global network of empowered women who can support each other, collaborate on innovative solutions, and work collectively towards a more inclusive and equitable future. The Global Power Women Conference is an unparalleled international event dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and connecting women leaders from all corners of the globe.
Renowned as the prestigious global convocation of women leaders, this conference is not merely an event, but a transformative experience, methodically designed to convene top global women leaders, gender diversity champions and stakeholders including trailblazing women from diverse sectors to lead discussions on topical issues, share their journeys, insights, and strategies for overcoming obstacles and driving impactful change.
In a world where gender equality remains a pressing issue, the significance of this conference cannot be overstated. It aims to create a global network of empowered women who can support each other, collaborate on innovative solutions, and work collectively towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

 

Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2024 Event Agenda

12:00 Noon:

  • Tech Start-ups Showcase/Exhibitions

Commences and runs throughout the conference

 

 

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM:

  • Registration and Welcome Reception/Networking Registration Desk: Open for attendees to check-in
    • Welcome Reception: Light refreshments and networking

1:15 PM - 1:30 PM:

Opening Plenary
Invocation and Introductions: Guest Director of Ceremonies
Ebony Young, Deputy Borough President & Co-Proprietor/Founder, Well. New York City (5 minutes)

Welcome Address:
Dr. Mrs. Ibifuro Ken-Giami, Leadership Development (CELD) (5 minutes)
Remarks:
Sau-fong Au, Ed.D., Director, Women’s Center at Brooklyn College & Principal Executive Director,
Centre for Economic & Women’s Empowerment

1:35 PM - 2:25 PM:

Panel Session 1:

High-level Panel on Leveraging Technology for Women’s Economic & Political Empowerment and Influence

Panelists:

Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking

Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda

Ruthe Farmer, Founder, Last Mile Education Fund & Former Senior Policy Advisor for Tech Inclusion, White House Office of Science & Technology Policy

2:30 PM - 3:20 PM:

Showcase: The Exclusive Global Power Women Impact

Panelists:

H.E. Mrs. Rossana Maria Briceno, First Lady of Belize

H.E. Leticia Ocampos, First Lady of Paraguay

H.E. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana

H.E. Madam Isaura Goncalo Ferro Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique

Dr. Filomena Goncalves, Honourable Minister of Health, Republic of Cape Verde

Opening Remarks

Dr Ibifuro Ken Giami

Executive Director, Centre for Economic and Leadership Development

L-R; ( Dr Ibiruro Ken Giami, Executive Director Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO of Women’s World Banking)

 

Dr. Mrs. Ibifuro Ken-Giami delivered an inspiring opening address at the Global Power Women Conference 2024, warmly welcoming esteemed guests, including dignitaries such as the First Lady of Belize and the Minister of Health. She set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the event’s importance, hosted by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and Amazons Watch Magazine, and held at the prestigious Graduate Center of the City University of New York. The conference, she noted, promises to reshape the future of business and governance through the transformative power of technology viewed through the lens of women.

Dr. Ken-Giami highlighted this year’s theme, “Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women’s Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance.” She called it a celebration of the remarkable strides women have made in harnessing technology to foster change and inclusive growth. She emphasized the importance of exploring how technology can drive sustainable development and equitable opportunities for all, positioning the conference as not just a gathering but a movement to empower, enlighten, and elevate women.

She also expressed CELD’s dedication to fostering platforms and global stages that bridge the gap between aspiring young women and seasoned female leaders. Through events, workshops, and mentorship programs, CELD provides unique opportunities for girls and women to connect with real-life role models, making success more tangible and grounded in values that remain essential in today’s world. 

Special Remarks

H.E. Nomvula Paula Mokonyane

Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC)

L-R; ( Dr Ibiruro Ken Giami, Executive Director Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO of Women’s World Banking)

 

H.E. Nomvula Paula Mokonyane, Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), delivered a powerful address at the Global Power Women Conference 2024, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in the political and economic empowerment of women. She highlighted the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which underscores the importance of technology in achieving Africa’s development goals, from education to climate change and ICT infrastructure, aimed at building a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent.

She further stressed the need to bridge the digital gender gap, particularly in access to technology for women in rural and underprivileged communities. Drawing from her experience in South African politics, Mokonyane showcased the ANC’s commitment to gender equality, which has seen 54% female representation in the government. She also noted the transformative potential of social media and artificial intelligence, enabling women leaders to engage in political processes, enhance voter education, and craft evidence-based policies.

 

As the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Mokonyane called for renewed efforts to ensure the full implementation of its goals. She emphasized that technology is not just a tool for connection but also a powerful mechanism for the empowerment and liberation of women across Africa and the world.

Panel Session 1 - High-level Panel on Leveraging Technology for Women’s Economic & Political Empowerment and Influence

Panelists included:

Olive Birungi, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda.
Abby Huang, Founder and CEO of Dime, Inc.
RUTHE FARMER Founder, Last Mile Education Fund & Former Senior Policy Advisor for Tech Inclusion, White House Office of Science & Technology Policy
Justyna Kedra, the visionary founder of WERULE
Amira Youssef, Vice President of Product at SocialPost
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking (WWB)

The panel, moderated by Ebony Young – Deputy Borough President & Co-Proprietor/Founder, Well, New York City, kicked off with an inspiring introduction encouraging participants to think beyond obstacles and focus on progress. The session featured a lineup of influential women leaders in technology, who shared insights on how technology can drive women’s empowerment both economically and politically.

  • Women as a Market Segment

Women control 70% of consumer purchases, yet businesses and governments often overlook them as a primary market. Investing in women leads to significant community and economic growth

 -Ruthe Farmer
  • Investing in Women and Mentorship

Mentorship is crucial for retaining women in the workforce and narrowing the $1 trillion economic gap. Digital tools and networks provide critical support for women’s career growth.

  –Justyna Kedra
  • Digital Finance and Inclusion

Mobile banking and digital wallets are transforming financial inclusion for women, particularly in underserved areas, with a potential $700 billion revenue opportunity if gender parity in financial services is achieved.

– Mary Ellen Iskenderian
  • Technology in Aviation

Aviation technology boosts economic empowerment, especially in tourism-driven regions. Innovations like fuel-efficient aircraft and in-flight Wi-Fi open opportunities for women in aviation and tourism

 -Olive Birungi Lumonya
  • Digital Storytelling

Digital platforms have amplified women’s voices globally, with 84% of women using social media to share their stories. This shift in media representation is creating new opportunities for women to connect and inspire.

  -Camille

The panel concluded with a call to action: leveraging technology and fostering collaboration are essential pathways to achieving long-term empowerment for women around the world.

Panel Session 2 - Showcase The Exclusive Global Power Women Impact

Panelists included:

H.E. Rossana Maria Briceño, First Lady and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children in Belize
Her Excellency Leticia Ocampos, First Lady of Paraguay
Her Excellency Mrs. Isaura Ferrão Nyusi
Dr. Filomena Mendes Gonçalves, Minister of Health of Cabo Verde

This powerful panel session highlighted the transformative impact that women leaders are making across their nations, particularly through initiatives that promote women’s health, education, gender equality, and socio-economic development. Each panellist shared insights from their work and emphasized the importance of advancing women’s rights and wellbeing through targeted interventions, policies, and collaborations. 

  • Women’s Empowerment and Education

H.E. Mrs. Rossana Maria Briceño, First Lady of Belize, shared her advocacy for gender equality and education, focusing on vulnerable groups like women, children, and indigenous communities. With over 38 years in special education, she emphasized curriculum reforms and teacher training for children with disabilities.

 -H.E. Mrs. Rossana Maria Briceño,
  • Fighting Period Poverty

H.E. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, leads the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, launched in 2021 to combat period poverty by providing free sanitary products to girls in underserved communities. The initiative has distributed over 12 million sanitary pads, benefiting more than 300,000 schoolgirls and improving attendance rates. Ali advocates for involving men and boys in the conversation to destigmatize menstruation and remove taxes on sanitary products.

  -H.E. Arya Ali
  • Education and Health Advocacy

H.E. Leticia Ocampos, First Lady of Paraguay, emphasized improving access to quality education and healthcare in rural areas, especially for women and children. She fosters collaboration among government, local, and international organizations to promote gender equality, women’s health, education, and economic empowerment.

– H.E. Leticia Ocampos
  • Health Infrastructure and Social Services

H.E. Isaura Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique, highlighted efforts to strengthen health infrastructure for women and children in rural areas. Key initiatives include improving maternal health, increasing access to prenatal/postnatal care, and addressing gender-based violence in partnership with international health organizations.

 -H.E. Isaura Nyusi
  • Public Health and Gender Equality

Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Cape Verde’s Minister of Health, focuses on improving healthcare for women and children and promoting equitable access to health services. Her work includes preventive healthcare campaigns, public health education, and vaccination efforts aimed at building healthier communities.

  –Dr. Filomena Gonçalves

This dynamic panel provided a global perspective on the work being done to empower women, improve access to education and healthcare, and combat period poverty. The panellists’ leadership demonstrates the impact that first ladies and women leaders can have in shaping national policies and fostering social progress. 

Keynote Address

H.E.  Robinah Nabbanja

Prime Minister of Uganda

L-R; ( Dr Ibiruro Ken Giami, Executive Director Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO of Women’s World Banking)

 

H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, delivered a keynote address at the Global Power Women Conference, emphasizing economic transformation through gender equality and women’s empowerment. As Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, she shared her leadership journey and highlighted government initiatives aimed at advancing women in leadership, education, and socio-economic development.

1. A leadership journey: Nabbanja reflected on her career, beginning in local government, and her historic appointment as Prime Minister, symbolizing hope for women aspiring to leadership roles.

2. Government initiatives: Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and national development plans promote gender equality, with women holding 46% of local government positions, 33% of Parliament seats, 43% of Cabinet roles, and 51% of permanent secretary positions.

3. Agricultural empowerment: Her Agriculture Expos initiative empowers women in subsistence farming by introducing smart farming technologies to improve productivity and profitability, crucial for Uganda’s economic growth.

4. Post-COVID-19 recovery: Nabbanja addressed the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women, advocating for increased access to land, financial resources, and credit to support women-led businesses.

5. Digital inclusion: She stressed the importance of digital literacy and technology access for women to participate in the digital economy and contribute to national development.

6. Mentorship: Nabbanja highlighted the role of mentorship in fostering women’s leadership and called on established leaders to mentor the next generation.

7. Overcoming barriers: She called for partnerships across sectors to dismantle structural barriers to gender equality and emphasized time management for women leaders to accelerate progress.

Her address underscored Uganda’s commitment to gender equality, showcasing the impact of policies and programs that empower women and foster socio-economic growth.

Global Power Women Awards 2024

The Global Power Women  Awards Ceremony was a key highlight of the Global Power Women Conference 2024, celebrating the achievements of women leaders from various countries who have made significant contributions to gender equality, social development, and economic empowerment.

Prime Minister of Uganda, H.E. Robinah Nabbanja

received the Global Inspirational Leader Award, dedicating it to the women and voters of Uganda, while acknowledging the collective achievements of Ugandan women in governance.

First Lady of Paraguay, H.E. Leticia Ocampos

accepted the Global Female Impact Leadership Award, dedicating it to the resilient women of Paraguay, highlighting their fight for equality and justice.

First Lady of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Denise Mbalo

(represented by a delegate) received the Global Female Impact Leadership Award, dedicating it to the women of Guinea-Bissau.

Miss Olive Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority

spoke about her commitment to women's leadership and her advocacy for women’s rights, inspired by her family.

First Lady of Belize, H.E. Mrs. Rossana Maria Briceño

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First Lady of Guyana, H.E. Arya Ali

expressed gratitude while receiving the Global Female Impact Leadership Award, dedicating it to the women of Guyana striving for equality.

Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health, Cape Verde

reflected on her journey from the 1995 World Women’s Conference to receiving her award, emphasizing the importance of technology in bridging the gender gap.

CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana

was also honored with the Global Female Impact Leadership Award, though absent at the event.

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