BPW Regional Conference Africa in Arusha 25th to 27th of August 2022
The Regional Conference in Arusha assembled all the presidents of the African Region, with the exception of two. The event gave all the Business Women of the Region a chance to present their work, challenges and achievements. A Representative of UN Women, the African Union highlighted their main activities and projects.
The subsequent presidents’ meeting was very lively. Everybody was keen to contribute and set up a schedule for virtual meetings. The activities of the Regional coordinator have for a long time been hindered by COVID-19. Everybody wanted to be active as before the pandemic.
BPW International Leaders’ Summit at the Regional Conference of Africa
The Leaders' Summit consisted of two parts: Firstly, the International President explained the statutes, then the VP Membership explained the development of the organization and the EFO spoke about the financial policy and the policy regarding the Dues. The participants divided into groups and worked on topics such as: How to create a larger membership.
Dr. Catherine Bosshart, BPW International President 2021-2024
Working Groups Flip Charts Summary by Maide Yazar
What can I get from BPW International?
Participants
Melvina English
Khadija El Tazi
Rachel Achew
Zinhle Ngiba
Hiba Abdelsalam
Tomi Odunsa Fadine
Discussion Summary
Collaborative marketing tools – products and services
Access franchises – franchise and partnership with locals
Build relationships
Access to quality leadership – this can be achieved
- by visiting the BPW websites;
- going through Directory to find a professional/business person partner as mentors and mentees;
- accessing success stories of members
Access to visibility
- also provides international network connections. This can also be made possible by the Directory.
- Input into directories – visibility through technology
- For those in urban areas, visibility can be achieved through the local Federation head.
How to Grow Membership?
Participants
Rhoda Ashong – Nigeria
Eunice Adie – Nigeria
Eziokwu Egbuka – Nigeria
Jackie Nansubuga – Uganda
Giuseppina Seidita - Italy
Discussion Summary
- Each member bring one member
- Make flyers on projects
- Participate in women’s events and make presentations
- Partnerships with government and non-governmental agencies
- Use social media
- Collaboration with Young BPW
- Networking
- Use media
- Holding recruitment events
Basic qualities for good leaders
Participants
Lucyphine Kilanga
Editrudith Lukango
Beatrice Nbona Nbong
Toby Rose
Sunia Tabitha Joseph
Discussion Summary
- Willingness to listen
- Confidence with the people you lead (members)
- Must have clear objectives
- Work with transparency, accountability, flexibility
- Take care of themselves and others
- Able to control emotions
- Must be integrative
- Must be appreciative of others
- Willingness to serve
- Be discrete (very small mouth, big ears, big eyes)
- Invest on acquiring knowledge and skills for the organization
- Good communicator, networker
- Perseverance
Active collaboration between clubs and countries
Participants
Chularat Israngkool Na Ayutthaya (Toyting) - Thailand
Maide Yazar – Canada
Salwa Daniel – South Sudan
Anu Viks – Estonia
Mama Mongella - Tanzania
Angelina Telan – South Sudan
Discussion Summary
- Twinning: Business, Exchange
- Joint meetings: Visits, world cafe
- Training: Educational, leadership
- Mentoring
- Use online meetings to communicate: On-line twinnings, Business exchange, Training
- Common Projects: Exchange of Expertise, Cultural exchange
- Training: on how to use Zoom, Teams, Skype
Finances of BPW International
Participants
Fatou Cisse
Amelie Nzi Amani
Larissa Ndoumbe
Sandrine Bikai
Aurelie Sosso
Berthe Maboa
Rasnata Kabre
Raïssa Nadia D. Vodoummou
Discussion Summary
- Gestion des financières (doit être légale et transparente)
- Procedures manuelles (doit obtenir les règles et guides)
- Les pays pauvres listés par les Nations Unis doivent payer 80% depuis 2005
- Nombres minimum des members d’un Club etre 20 membres
- Comment financer les projêts du Clubs
Lobbying / Sponsoring
Participants
Ivone Soares – Mozambique
Yinka Ajibola – Nigeria
Hibo Baetta Hassan – Djibouti
Jyotti KC – Nepal
Chesna Vwalika – Zambia
Mary Kuria - Kenya
Discussion Summary
- Training on writing proposal (via Zoom or Presencial)
- Sharing information on funding
- Orientation programs
- Harmonization of funding projects among Clubs
- Resource persons to apply and follow funding
- Available funding opportunities to be shared by the Regional and International BPW
- Share success stories
- Regular BPW Regional meetings
- Individual donations
- Fundraising
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