Get ready for a game-changer! Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) is gearing up for its grand launch during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week. Mark your calendars for September 26th, 4 pm to 7:30 pm, as Goals House becomes the epicentre of global philanthropic innovation.
“Women’s leadership in philanthropy is key to driving inclusive and sustainable change. With just six years left to hit the SDG targets, our work is more critical than ever. We’re thrilled to have so many global funders and women leaders join us to make a real impact.”
What is WIPIA?
WIPIA is not just another organisation; it’s a movement, a dynamic, diaspora-led initiative. WIPIA unites powerhouse women leaders, professionals, and global organisations in the philanthropic arena. Their mission? To harness the incredible potential of women in philanthropy, driving sustainable development through strategic connections and impactful support. With a shocking statistic that only 0.4% of global foundation grants go towards women’s issues, WIPIA is here to flip the script and champion a gender-focused approach in philanthropy.
The Big Launch Event
The launch is set to be a stellar gathering. The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy for Nigeria, Madam Hannatu Musa Musawa, will kick off the event, emphasising the role of youth and the creative economy in Africa’s development.
Mr. Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy, will set the tone with a keynote address on how women’s leadership is crucial for sustainable development in Africa.
Meet the Panellists:
Almaz Negash, CEO of the African Diaspora Network and a key advisor to President Biden, will dive into the power of the diaspora in mobilising resources for Africa.
Melissa Stevens, Executive VP of Philanthropy at the Milken Institute, will share the secrets of strategic philanthropy and the need for a gender lens in global efforts.
Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute, will highlight the urgent need for climate action in Africa with a gender-focused approach.
CNN’s Senior Africa Editor, Stephanie Busari, will steer the conversation, ensuring a lively and insightful discussion on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through gender-focused philanthropy.
The Visionaries Behind WIPIA
WIPIA’s founders are no strangers to making waves:
Dr. Anino Emuwa is the visionary behind the Africa Women CEOs Network.
Dr. Anino Emuwa is a prominent advocate for gender equity in leadership. A former corporate banker, she is the Managing Director of Avandis Consulting in France, specializing in DEI, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. She serves on several boards, including Nottingham Trent University, and founded the Africa Women CEOs Network and 100 Women @ Davos, which include over 5,000 women leaders. A TEDx speaker and LinkedIn top voice, Anino has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Impactful Voices and is a UN Women Leadership Network member.
Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, Chairperson, Nigeria Office for Philanthropy & Impact Investing; Co-Founder & Chair, SME.NG
Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke has over 23 years of experience in philanthropy and impact investing. She is the inaugural Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy & Impact Investing, housed in the Office of the Vice President. In 2021-2022, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute in the USA named her one of the top 10 Black women in global philanthropy and impact investing.
Dr. Sindy Zemura-Bernard is the CEO and founder of the Southern Africa Embrace Foundation.
Sindy is a multiple award-winning humanitarian, TIME100 speaker, social entrepreneur, and public speaker, focused on empowering marginalized women, girls, and youth. A seasoned leader, with over two decades of combined experience in international development and finance across Africa, Europe, USA and Canada.
These trailblazers are committed to uniting women in philanthropy for sustainable development. Dr. Anino Emuwa passionately states:
Why WIPIA Matters
WIPIA aims to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges head-on, focusing on social and female entrepreneurship, education and technology for girls, bridging the gender digital divide, healthcare, and climate action. WIPIA creates a platform for cutting-edge philanthropic strategies and global partnerships by fostering collaboration among women leaders
What to Expect
The launch of WIPIA heralds the start of strategic initiatives such as leadership and skills development, forging international partnerships, hosting global philanthropic events, thought-leadership sessions, research, and advocacy. This ambitious agenda aims to develop high-skilled female leaders ready to drive change in their communities, increase women’s representation in leadership within the philanthropic sector, strengthen connections with global philanthropy networks to enhance funding and effectiveness of African-led projects and advance gender funding equity in philanthropic giving.
Call to action
WIPIA invites women leaders and philanthropic organisations to join this groundbreaking network. WIPIA aims to bridge the funding gap for women-focused initiatives and create a future where women’s leadership and catalytic philanthropy drive Africa’s development by fostering partnerships, collaborations, and knowledge sharing.
For more information or to attend the in-person event, drop WIPIA a line at hello@wipia.org