Pan-African Women’s Day Virtual Celebration and Honorary Awards 2025
Background & Overview
The 31st of July is officially recognised by the African Union as Pan-African Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and contributions of African women to the continent’s socio-political and economic transformation.
In 2025, as global geopolitical tensions rise and foreign influence on Africa intensifies—often at the cost of our unity and sovereignty—regional integration becomes not just desirable, but urgent. Strengthening intra-African solidarity is essential to preserve our resources, advance inclusive development, and reduce dependency.
Against this backdrop, Leading Women of Africa (LWA) will host a virtual high-level celebration and awards ceremony, to honour exceptional African men and women who are actively contributing to the vision of a self-reliant, integrated, and prosperous Africa.
2. Objectives
To commemorate Pan-African Women’s Day by highlighting the achievements and contributions of African women and their allies in continental development.
To provide a platform for dialogue on the role of regional integration in achieving Africa’s development goals.
To honour leaders across the continent who are advancing political, economic, and social integration.
To strengthen solidarity among African countries and reduce reliance on foreign actors whose interventions often undermine Africa’s unity and sovereignty.
3. Event & Agenda
18:00 – 20:00 | High-Level Keynote Dialogue & Panel
A series of keynote addresses and expert panel discussions under the theme:“African Regional Integration: Securing Africa’s Future Through Unity”
Topics will include:
The legacy and future of Pan-African Women’s Day
Regional economic integration & the AfCFTA
Geopolitical shifts : A call for African diplomatic and trade solidarity
Leadership lessons from women-led regional initiatives
Youth and gender inclusion in continental policymaking
20:00 – 22:00 | Future is Female & Male Champions Honorary Awards Celebrating leaders who have significantly contributed to:
African unity and regional cooperation
Women’s leadership and empowerment
Inclusive trade and enterprise development
Policy influences for equitable development
Youth mentorship and intergenerational transformation
Award Categories Includes:
Champion of Regional Integration (Male/Female)
Pan-African Public Service Leadership Award
Economic Transformation Trailblazer
Women’s Empowerment Champion
Legacy Award for Lifelong Contribution to Africa’s Development
Entertainment Breaks :
Short cultural performances (African poetry, music, or pre-recorded traditional dance)
4. Target Audience
African Union officials and regional economic community (REC) representatives
Ministers and policymakers in gender, trade, and integration
Women entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers
Male champions for gender equity
Pan-African civil society and youth leaders
Development partners and diplomatic missions
Call to Action :
Now is the time for Africans to stand united. Regional integration is no longer a dream, but a necessity for our survival, dignity, and prosperity.
ABOUT LEADING WOMEN OF AFRICA (LWA)
Based in Cape Town, SA, LWA is a Pan-African, women-led enterprise driving the inclusion of women in the economy through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and trade facilitation. By empowering women leaders across business, politics, and professional sectors, and through initiatives like the LWA Leadership Institute, we connect Africa to global opportunities, fostering impactful female leadership and sustainable growth. (www.leadingwomenofafrica.com)
For more information
Email : admin@leadingwomenofafrica.com
Tel : +27812184736