Africa Regional Conference 2022

BPW International Africa Regional Conference - 25-27 August 2022 - Arusha, Tanzania

Report

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