YAWC network’s first summit shines light on women’s empowerment.

It marked a landmark achievement in the network’s mission to empower young women across Africa. Speaking at the summit, YAWC Network Cameroon Chapter Coordinator, Joan Tambelin, elaborated on the network’s vision and mission. 

Tambelin the vision is to connect all young women of Africa and the diaspora on a common platform for intellectual discourse and knowledge sharing, aimed at women’s development and a better continent focused on political and socioeconomic progress. 

Harping on the mission, she said it includes empowering women through a collaborative approach, promoting grassroots mobilization for young women’s leadership in Africa, creating support systems to help women thrive in their endeavors, and serving as an advocacy platform on issues affecting women’s development. 

Tambelin encouraged attendees to leverage YAWC as a transformative platform and to initiate projects that empower women in both rural and urban areas.

The summit featured a series of powerful speeches from esteemed guests. 

The Regional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family for the South West, Ediage Lucia Dipita Sona, set the tone with her address on the importance of self-care and balancing home responsibilities as a foundation for broader empowerment.

Ediage urged women to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible actions, such as organising seminars for young girls. 

She also emphasised the necessity of women owning businesses to help reduce gender-based violence, which often arises from economic hardship.

Business and Leadership Development Expert, Mosoke Lucas Lyonga, delivered a motivating message about proactive growth. He encouraged women to actively seek out opportunities rather than waiting for them to materialise. 

He highlighted the value of staying informed and continuously seeking knowledge to recognize and seize opportunities effectively. 

Lyonga concluded his address by stressing that owning a business is essential for women aspiring to achieve significant success and independence. Prominent mental health expert, Dr Stephanie K. Wirba, spoke on the critical intersection between mental well-being and economic success. 

Dr Wirba’s presentation emphasized how mental health challenges can severely impact a woman’s ability to engage in and manage successful business ventures. 

She highlighted the need for robust mental health support to enable women to perform effectively in their professional and personal lives. The summit concluded with Madam Gladys Messi’s practical presentation on producing rubbing oil suitable for various skin types. 

Her session offered valuable insights into creating products for personal use and commercial sale, aimed at improving family income. 

The event closed with a heartfelt exchange of pleasantries and acknowledgments. The National Chapter Coordinator praised Obah Rose, the chapter president, for her exceptional leadership and vision in organising the summit and advancing the network’s goals.

In response to the successful summit, the Global Chairperson of the YAWC Network, Daniel Tuffuor, expressed his profound admiration. 

“To say I am impressed is an understatement,” Tuffuor stated, adding that: “This is truly a great achievement, and both myself and the entire YAWC Network Council extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Team Cameroon for this remarkable success. The Coordinating Team, led by Joan Tambelin, has been exceptional. We are deeply grateful for your dedication. To our esteemed President Rose, your leadership has been nothing short of phenomenal”.

Tuffuor also extended his gratitude to those who contributed financially and supported the event in various capacities. 

“To all who supported this summit, whether through financial contributions or by lending their support in different ways, may the good Lord replenish you a hundredfold. Your efforts have been invaluable. God bless everyone who attended and participated in making this summit a historic occasion,” he said. 

By Rosaline Obah

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3180 of Friday July 26, 2024