Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia has issued a powerful reminder to African leaders and stakeholders about their obligations to the continent’s women and young people, delivering an address that resonated deeply with attendees at the 2025 Africa Women and Children Conference.
The conference opened Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, bringing together hundreds of delegates to address critical issues facing vulnerable populations across the continent.
As founder and chairperson of AFRIWOCC, Mrs. Bawumia used the platform to emphasize that Africa’s transformation hinges on amplifying the voices that have historically been marginalized in decision-making processes.
Her central message revolved around accountability and the urgent need to translate promises into tangible action for women and youth who represent the majority of Africa’s population.
The former Second Lady made a compelling case that addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges, particularly climate change, requires the active participation of those most affected by these issues.
She argued that sustainable solutions can not be achieved when the perspectives of women and children remain excluded from policy discussions and implementation strategies.
This inclusive approach, she insisted, represents the only viable pathway toward meaningful continental transformation.
The conference theme, “Young Voices, Innovative Ideas, Greater Impact for Africa,” reflects more than aspirational rhetoric, according to Mrs. Bawumia.
She characterized it as an imperative that demands immediate attention from governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations across the continent.
Her remarks underscored the potential that exists when young Africans are positioned as drivers of innovation rather than passive recipients of aid or development programs.
The timing of this call to action carries particular significance as African nations grapple with multiple crises, from climate-related disasters to economic instability and governance challenges.
Mrs. Bawumia’s advocacy reflects growing recognition among African leaders that youth empowerment and gender equality are not peripheral concerns but central to the continent’s prosperity and stability.
The AFRIWOCC 2025 gathering builds on momentum from its inaugural edition in 2023, expanding its scope to address the intersection of climate action, youth development, and women’s empowerment.
The two-day hybrid event allows for both in-person participation and virtual engagement, extending its reach across the continent and beyond.
Mrs. Bawumia’s remarks serve as both a challenge and an invitation to African stakeholders. By framing the inclusion of women and youth as a promise that must be kept, she places moral and practical obligations squarely before those in positions of power.
Her message suggests that Africa’s future success depends less on external interventions and more on unleashing the potential that already exists within its own population, particularly among demographics that comprise its largest and most dynamic segments.
As delegates continue their deliberations throughout the conference, the central question remains whether African institutions will heed this call for genuine inclusion or whether commitments to women and youth will remain confined to conference halls and policy documents without translating into lived realities for millions across the continent.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
