The Africa Women Summit 2024, recently held in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded with a landmark commitment from ministers across Africa to collaborate on strategies and policies addressing barriers to women’s access to essential healthcare services.
The pledge emerged as a pivotal outcome of the summit, which also saw groundbreaking achievements such as setting a new Guinness World Record for a blood donation drive and empowering over 200 girls.
The summit, themed “Women’s Health: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” brought together influential leaders, experts, and advocates from various African countries to address pressing issues surrounding women’s health.
Guests at the summit include Hon. Judith Mkwanda Ncuba; Honorable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Zimbabwe, H.E. Mama Magufuli; Former First Lady of Tanzania; Dr. Omer M. ElNagieb Minister of Health, Sudan, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Ndiov; Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mat South, Zimbabwe.
Others are Her Excellency Mama Rachael Ruto; First Lady of Kenya, Hon. Ann Wang’ombe; PS Gender, Kenya, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya, and Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwanjima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, who represented the President of Tanzania.
Also present were Dr. Isata Mahoi; Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sierra Leone, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa; Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Zimbabwe and H.E. Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, Wife of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, among others.
Delivering a keynote speech at the summit First Lady of Kenya Rachael, represented by Hon. Susan Nakhumicha (Cabinet Minister for Health, reiterated that collaboration and empowerment are important
‘’As African women, we stand at a point of destiny, defining the future of our continent with passion and commitment,’’ she stated.
On her part, the former first lady of Tanzania, Mama Janeth Magufuli, stated that:
‘’The purpose of this meeting is to share the importance of the position of women in the society just as stated in the main theme of the summit, which urges us to find ways and prioritize all the important aspects of a woman’s daily needs, health-wise, economically and their association in the various activities in the society.’’
During the event, over 20 women participated in a blood donation drive, setting a new Guinness World Record.
On the third day of the summit, attention turned to empowering the next generation of African women at the Girl Child Summit. Over 200 girls from Kenya were inspired and mentored, with the aim of nurturing their talents and aspirations for the future.
However, one of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the Nairobi Declaration, in which ministers from across Africa affirmed their dedication to improving healthcare access for women in rural communities.
The declaration outlined a bold target to increase healthcare access from 45% to 70% within the next decade.
Ministers pledged to work together on developing and implementing strategies to address the underlying barriers preventing women from accessing essential healthcare services.
As the summit concluded, discussions began for the next edition, with potential locations in Zanzibar or Egypt.
Founder Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart expressed optimism about the summit’s ongoing evolution and its continued mission to create a more equitable and empowered Africa.
”The pledge by African ministers to address barriers to healthcare access represents a significant step towards achieving gender equality and improving the well-being of women in Africa,” Meshack-Hart stated.
Discover more about Engage, Empower, Educate Initiative (EEEI):
The Africa Women Summit is an annual event organised by Engage, Empower, Educate Initiative and it is dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting women across the continent. By bringing together influential leaders, experts, and advocates, the summit aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and inspire change through collaboration and innovative solutions. The 2024 edition, held in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on “Women’s Health: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change” and resulted in significant commitments to improve healthcare access for women in rural communities. For more information, visit africawomensummit.org
