The 2020 She Summit Virtual (Series 1) took off on Thursday, July 16 with the theme: Resilient. Empowered: Her Rights, Her World.
Although the pandemic situation made the usual physical seminar impossible, it offered an even bigger opportunity – to include young people around the world to be a part of the experience. The online audience consisted of over 500 people from over 40 countries – all eager to learn from and be inspired by the speakers.
The Country Representative of UNFPA Ghana, Niyi Ojuolape welcomed the virtual audience and introduced the guests as well as acknowledged the distinguished speakers. Claudia Lumor, CEO of Glitz Africa and Founder of She Summit and Ghana Women of the Year Honours served as moderator for the summit.
The Minister of Communications, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful set the ball rolling with the need for women to embrace the digital era to be able to stay relevant and abreast with the changing times. Aljazeera English Principal Presenter, Folly Bah Thibault shared her views about highlighting women and their achievements as well as giving them the necessary platforms.
Mariarosa Cutillo, Chief of Strategic Partnerships at UNFPA headquarters, New York also stressed on making partnerships key in empowering women across various circles both private and public. The African Regional Ambassador for UNFPA, Stephanie Linus passionately reminded the audience that women already have power as old tales about women leaders and warriors tell us. Along the way, the stories got distorted which made women forget the power we wield in our societies and that is why she is determined to change the narratives with her movie productions.
Claudia Lumor also challenged listeners that women were powerful in their own ways and as they rise up the ladder, they should pull others up with them; that it is not a competition but a partnership to make our lives and the world a better place.
Niyi in his concluding remarks, expressed how impressed he was with the powerful submissions made by the speakers and encouraged women to believe in themselves.
The 2020 She Summit took place in partnership with UNFPA Ghana, Glitz Africa Care Foundation and SDGs Ghana (of the Office of the President).