An Adaptive Traditionalist Approach to Empowerment of Women and Girls in the Modern World

When: March 28, 2025

Where: Virtual, South Africa

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From March 2025 to June 2025, we will be hosting a series of online webinars under the theme: An Adaptive Traditionalist Approach Empowerment of Women and Girls in the Modern World.

The aim of this series is to discuss at high level, issues that affect women in the broader African continent as a build up to a summit that will be held in August 2025 that will focus on issues that are specific to South Africa.

Building on lessons learned around personal development approach to empowerment of women in other parts of the African continent.

The empowerment of women and girls in Africa requires a holistic approach that acknowledges both traditional values and modern advancements.

Through our webinar series, we discuss the rights of women and girls, the barriers to gender equality, and the progress of empowerment initiatives.

These discussions explore the deeply ingrained societal perceptions that shape women's self-identity, create dependency, and limit their potential.

By addressing mindset and behavioural shifts, we aim to inspire individuals to become attuned to their existence and empowered to evolve into leaders in today’s world.

Personal development has been a key driver in successful women’s empowerment initiatives across Africa. Examples of successful projects include; AkiraChix in Kenya is transforming the tech industry by equipping young women with coding and leadership skills, helping them build confidence and break gender barriers in STEM fields.

The Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth (WCW) program empowers female entrepreneurs across Southern Africa by providing business training, mentorship, and personal development strategies, enabling them to scale their enterprises and achieve financial independence.

In rural communities, CAMFED’s Self-Esteem Development Project has supported thousands of young women by fostering resilience, confidence, and leadership skills, allowing them to challenge restrictive cultural norms and advocate for education.

These case studies illustrate the transformative power of personal development in equipping women with the mindset, skills, and self-efficacy needed to navigate societal challenges and take on leadership roles.

As part of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are launching a series of webinars in commemoration of International Women’s Month.

The series will take place over 4 months with at least one webinar hosted each month starting in March 2025. Each month, we will engage experts in high-level discussions on critical themes affecting women’s empowerment.

The final session will bring together specialists to explore various modalities and approaches to mindset and behavioural transformation, essential for effective leadership.

Through this initiative, we seek to mobilize stakeholders, establish partnerships, and promote a multisectoral approach to mitigating risks such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and the infringement of women’s rights.

Recognizing that the perception of women and girls is shaped by tradition, cultural practices, and societal expectations, we strive to bridge the gap between traditional values and modern leadership, ensuring that women are equipped to lead in the contemporary world.