The 9th Edition of the prestigious annual Womens Forum in Economy and Society Global Meeting and conference was held in France Deauville from 16-18 October 2013. Ilive2lead International which is an organisation that plays a significant role in professional development of women from developing and developed countries around the globe, conducts youth leadership training programs in fields of Government and Advocacy, Sustainable Development, education (to name a few), in different countries in regions every year. They do this through their exceptional International Leadership Summits, being an ILive2Lead Global Ambassador was invited alongside 5 other young women from 5 different countries to represent the youth delegation of official media representatives at the Global meeting. On the first day of the forum, I got the opportunity of getting to know an incredible woman who has played a major role in the development of women across the continent for many years. A truly well accomplished pioneer of change and inspiration to many: Theo Sewo, the CEO of African Women's Development Fund:
With the challenges that women face in the world of work
where most industries are still made dominated and women are rising as role
models for more young women leaders to follow in their footsteps. The well-spoken
Theo shared what it takes to be a woman in the 21st century: “One has
to be strong, have a clear vision and work hard” Theo added that the most
important element was to have a strong sense of self : “To be successful you
need to have a strong sense of yourself, because if you don’t; you will get
distracted by other people’s perceptions.”
Theo has played a vital role in the development of women
through the African Women’s Development Fund where she currently heads as CEO, she
has worked on women’s rights issues covering a range of activities with a special focus on
the promotion and protection of women’s rights in armed conflict situations, as
well as work evaluating and strengthening women focused development programs
in Africa. Theo shared what the African Women’s Development Fund aims to achieve
and how it contributes to the sustainable development of young women in Africa,
she said: “The Africa Women’s Development Fund is the first continent wide
foundation for Africa women, it was set up by African women and signifies the
work of African women’s organisations in Africa. AWDF tries to get funds to the
organisations that can bring change to their communities”, Theo mentioned the
changing of perceptions from people about Africa and women in Africa and how
they aim to bring about change on the perceptions through generic organisations
lead by women across the continent.
Being in a world where young people want to not only be
heard but do things that will revolutionarise their current oppression's and situations.
Theo shared what impressed her about young leaders and what she would want to
see more young people do. “I like the energy and the ability young leaders have
to cross many boundaries and work together effortlessly.” she further explained would she like to see
more young leaders work better with current leaders as she believes there is
great power in inter-generation where the younger generation dialogues and
exchanges insights leading to change with the older generation proactively, “also
to see young people tackle together, head on some of the issues we haven’t
managed to solve yet . Drafting solutions and creating positive change where
change is needed”. I, personally, sincerely
believe exchanging knowledge and ideas
on issues that oppress women and relating to women rights such as, social injustice and violence
against women, amongst a few with other young
leaders and coming up with not only innovative solutions to addressing them but
making appeals and recommendations to
global organisations that have the power to implement and foster the change
will assist in creating a better world
for young women in developed and developing countries.
Theo has extensive experience of working with grant making
organisations and foundations. She serves currently as a board member of the
Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (a multi million pound grant making organisation);
is a Trustee of Comic Relief and the Chair of its International Grant Making
Committee; and is a member of the Africa Advisory Board for the Stephen Lewis
Foundation.
Having addressed thousands of women at the opening and
welcome of the Women’s Forum by the program committee, with exceptional women
leaders ; Maria Livanos Cattaui, Nina Gardner, Ann Walker Merchant and the
President of the Women’s forum Veronique Morali. Theo spoke profoundly about
how women have the ability to influence policies through effective collaboration.
She added: “Girls and women are not victims; they know how to create change and
make a difference. But they lack the funds to do so.” and resonating with many when
saying; “When we work together, we work differently.”
With young women
rising across all nations and being pioneers and advocates of change, Theo concluded
with words of motivation and encouragement to young women who aim to create
change within their communities “There is a great generation of young people
with new ideas and new ways of thinking , where those ideas have the ability to
reshape the older ways of thinking and doing things. This is your moment, make
the most of it and your ideas and don’t let people tell you cannot make it, because
you can indeed make a big difference to this world.”
Theo is also an Advisory group member of the ‘Every Child a
Reader’ literacy initiative, a member of the British Refugee Council Leadership
Group and a board member of the Graça Machel Trust. Not only is She an outstanding and powerful leader, but she is
an example of an individual that exemplifies a true role model, committed and dedicated
to her work and those of others.
“Women rights are not just women’s rights, they are indivisible –
rights are indivisible” – Theo Sewo
Website : www.il2l.org
Twitter : @il2lorg
My handle: @zanelemabaso23 @yseacademy
My handle: @zanelemabaso23 @yseacademy
