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Empowering Women through Technology
Key Takeaways from the Global Power Women Conference 2024
On a crisp September afternoon in the heart of New York City, the Graduate Center at CUNY buzzed with an unmistakable energy
filled with powerful and ambitious women. The Global Power Women Conference 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to harnessing technology for women’s empowerment. As the grand auditorium filled with voices echoing purpose and determination, the conversation on “Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women’s Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance” was set to take flight.
Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2024 Event Agenda
- Tech Start-ups Showcase/Exhibitions
Registration and Welcome Reception/Networking Registration Desk: Open for attendees to check-in.
Opening Plenary
Invocation and Introductions: Guest Director of Ceremonies
Ebony Young, Deputy Borough President & Co-Proprietor/Founder, Well. New York City
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
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
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
Setting the Stage for Transformation
Kicking off the conference was Dr. Mrs. Ibifuro Ken-Giami, the visionary founder of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and Amazons Watch Magazine. Her calm yet powerful voice filled the room as she boldly proclaimed, “This is not just another conference; it is a movement. A movement where women leaders shape not only conversations but real, lasting change in business and governance. Today, we are advancing together, with technology as our ally.”
Her words resonated deeply, igniting a shared sense of purpose among the audience.
“Technology is no longer a domain reserved for the few. Through the lens of women, it becomes a tool for empowerment—one that can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development,”
she emphasized. This stirring call to action underscored the barriers women face in leadership and the incredible potential that lies in dismantling those barriers.
Women Who are Leading with Vision: The Panel Discussions
The day unfolded with dynamic panel discussions, each showcasing how women leverage technology to create economic and political opportunities. Ebony Young, Deputy Borough President of New York City, moderated a spirited conversation that revealed the power of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority, shared her journey in aviation, a field where she was once told women didn’t belong.
“Today, I lead a team at one of Africa’s busiest airports, using technology to transform our operations and create jobs for women,”
she said, radiating confidence and determination. Her story exemplified not just breaking barriers but shattering them.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, echoed this sentiment, highlighting women’s critical role as consumers.
“Women control 70% of global consumer purchases, yet financial services often overlook our needs. Imagine the economic potential if we designed products that truly empowered women,”
she urged, leaving the audience contemplating the vast opportunities that lie ahead.
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Mentorship For a Digital Future
One of the most innovative moments came from Justyna Kedra, founder of WERULE, who introduced an AI-powered mentorship platform. She spoke passionately about her own struggles to find a mentor as a young entrepreneur. “I realized there had to be a better way, and that’s how the mentorship app was born,” she shared, explaining how it connects young women with mentors across the globe, breaking down geographical barriers.
Her co-founder, Camille Jalandoni, highlighted the platform’s ability to provide guidance regardless of location.
“Whether you are in New York or Nairobi, you can find the support you need to succeed,”
she said, showcasing the potential of technology to foster global connections among women.
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Women at the Forefront of Change
As the conference wrapped up, a collective vision emerged: the future belongs to women, and technology is the key to unlocking their potential. Dr. Ibifuro Ken-Giami’s closing remarks resonated deeply: “This is just the beginning. Technology will continue to evolve, but so will we. We will lead, we will innovate, and we will change the world.”
The Global Power Women Conference 2024 was not merely an event; it was a movement—a catalyst for the kind of change that occurs when women lead. Attendees left the auditorium invigorated, a sense of urgency and purpose guiding their steps.
Investing in Women: The Path to Empowerment Through Mentorship and Technology
With women’s voices rising, the focus on mentorship as a vital bridge to economic empowerment took center stage. Justyna Kedra passionately outlined research indicating that women without mentorship are 50% more likely to leave their jobs, contributing to a staggering $1 trillion economic gap in the U.S. “When women are given opportunities for mentorship and investment, magic happens,” she declared, her conviction palpable.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian reinforced this notion, illustrating how digital finance innovations have transformed the lives of women, especially in underserved areas. “It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about changing lives,” she emphasized, drawing images of women gaining financial independence through mobile banking.
Women at the Helm of Transformation
As H.E. Nomvula Paula Mokonyane addressed the Global Power Women Conference 2024, a unifying vision took shape—technology is not merely a tool; it is the gateway to true empowerment for women across Africa.
Highlighting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Mokonyane reminded us that technology is central to achieving Africa’s development ambitions, from education to climate resilience and ICT infrastructure. Her words resonated deeply, especially her call to bridge the digital gender gap to empower women in rural and underprivileged communities.
Drawing on the ANC’s progress in gender equality—where women hold 54% of government roles—Mokonyane emphasized the transformative potential of digital platforms like social media and AI, which enable women leaders to amplify their voices, engage in political discourse, and shape policy through data-driven insights.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, Mokonyane’s call to action was clear: technology must be harnessed as a force for liberation and equality, unlocking opportunities for women across Africa and the globe.
Women Driving Economic Transformation
H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda’s first female Prime Minister, delivered a powerful keynote at the Global Power Women Conference, championing economic transformation through gender equality. She shared her leadership journey and highlighted Uganda’s progress in women’s representation across government roles, which supports long-term growth. Nabbanja emphasized her Agricultural Expos initiative, aimed at empowering women farmers with smart technologies, and advocated for increased resources for women-led businesses in post-COVID recovery. She stressed the importance of digital inclusion, mentorship, and partnerships to dismantle barriers to gender equality, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to a future led by empowered women.
A Call for Collaboration
Collaboration emerged as a central theme in achieving gender equity. Justyna and Camille emphasized the importance of supporting women from underrepresented communities.
“Effective collaboration between men and women is key to driving change,”
they urged, resonating with an audience eager for collective action across cultural, racial, and generational divides.
Key Takeaways: A Vision for the Future
The panel discussions yielded actionable insights to promote women’s empowerment:
Accessible mentorship programs are essential for women’s professional growth. The lack of mentorship not only hampers individual potential but also perpetuates systemic inequality in the workforce.
- Innovations in digital finance, aviation, and other sectors can transform lives, particularly for underserved populations. The integration of technology must prioritize the unique needs of women, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital age.
- Empowerment initiatives must consider the diverse experiences of women from various backgrounds, including race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Tailored approaches can address the specific barriers faced by different groups, fostering a more inclusive environment.
- Achieving gender equity requires collective efforts across industries. Stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and non-profits, must work together to create policies and initiatives that support women’s advancement.
- Policymakers must promote inclusive policies that support women’s access to technology and finance. Advocacy for gender-sensitive policies is crucial in creating a supportive framework for women to thrive in leadership positions.
In summary, the Global Power Women Conference 2024 underscored the vital intersection of technology and women’s empowerment, presenting a roadmap for future initiatives. The lessons learned serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to advance women’s leadership and ensure that technology becomes an inclusive catalyst for change. The commitment to investing in women through mentorship, technology, and collaboration is essential for fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Women at the Forefront of Change
As the conference wrapped up, a collective vision emerged: the future belongs to women, and technology is the key to unlocking their potential. Dr. Ibifuro Ken-Giami’s closing remarks resonated deeply: “This is just the beginning. Technology will continue to evolve, but so will we. We will lead, we will innovate, and we will change the world.”
The Global Power Women Conference 2024 was not merely an event; it was a movement—a catalyst for the kind of change that occurs when women lead. Attendees left the auditorium invigorated, a sense of urgency and purpose guiding their steps.
Pre-Unveiling of the Global Power Women Yearbook at the Global Power Women Conference 2024
The day unfolded with dynamic panel discussions, each showcasing how women leverage technology to create economic and political opportunities. Ebony Young, Deputy Borough President of New York City, moderated a spirited conversation that revealed the power of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The Global Power Women Yearbook serves as an enduring testament to the courage and leadership of women at the forefront of change. With stories that reflect on their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, this yearbook captures the essence of what it means to be a leader in today’s ever-changing world.
The Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook, Volume 2, was pre-unveiled at the just concluded Global Power Women Conference 2024, which was hosted at The Graduate Centre, City University of New York.
These powerhouses, along with other influential women, graced the event, each sharing their unique perspectives on the role of technology in transforming business and governance.
The teaser trailer of this highly inspirational second edition of the Global Power Women Yearbook was premiered at the conference in New York. The book promises to be even more inspiring, highlighting the stories of extraordinary women who have made significant impacts on the global stage.
Featuring personal narratives and insights from influential leaders, this yearbook is a tribute to “A Legacy of Courage and Transformational Leadership.”
It will include boots-on-the-ground stories shared by power women from all over the globe including
– Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah, Prime Minister of Uganda
– H.E. Leticia Ocampos, First Lady of Paraguay
– H.E. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana
– H.E. Rossana Briceno, First Lady of Belize
– H.E. Dr. Isaura Nyusi, First Lady of Mozambique
– Ruthe Farmer, Former Senior Policy Advisor, White House Office of Science & Technology Policy
– Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women’s World Banking
– Olive B. Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
– Mansa Netty, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana
– Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minter of Italy
– Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, the Honourable Minister of Health, Republic of Cabo Verde
– Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili
