The inaugural United States-African Leaders International Summit, hosted by the US President, Barack Obama, in Washington DC, ended with leaders from 50 African countries in attendance to discuss trade and investment opportunities with the United States as well as collaboration on security of the continent. The historical summit followed President Obama’s announcement to “host a summit of leaders from countries across Africa” whilst on a three – nation tour of Africa in 2013. He also affirmed association with the continent at the White House state dinner where award-winning singer, Lionel Richie entertained the audience. “I stand before you as the President of the United States of America and as the son of a man from Africa”, was Obama’s opening remarks. But as the evening dissolved into darkness, it became obvious that America is committed to boosting its ties with Africa.
The 3-day conference would surely enhance the quality of collaboration between Africa and the United States. An exciting perspective was the interest of the wives of heads of state of countries across Africa present on the issue of women empowerment. The National Museum of African Art was the venue of the discussion on women empowerment. Johnetta Betsch Cole, the Museum’s Director opened the Tuesday brunch, celebrating leading women from African nations. “We’re here celebrating girl power, woman power”, she said. Some of the recognizable faces present were Chantal Compaoré, first lady of Burkina Faso, Keїta Aminata Maiga, first lady of Mali, Gertrude Hendrina Mutharika, first lady of Malawi, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, first lady of Gabon, Penehupifo Pohamba, first lady of Namibia, Charlotte Scott, first lady of Zambia, Farida Sellal, first lady of Algeria, Chantal De Souza Yayi, first lady of Benin, Constancia Mangue de Obiang, first lady of Equatorial Guinea, wives of ambassadors, leading Nigerian artist, Nike Davies-Okundaye, the first Minister of Culture from Morocco, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Mo Abudu, CEO of Ebony Life TV and May Mbu, Executive Council Member, WIMBIZ. Amidst the celebration, Access Bank Group Managing Director and the champion of the ‘W’ initiative, a programme designed for women, who was a special guest at the brunch noted that “too often, the role of women in the continent is grossly under represented. We must embrace the fact that once the woman is educated, the whole family is educated; and what’s true for the family is true for the community and the whole country.” He went on to discuss the ‘W’ initiative, saying that it offers privileges to women and their families, including access to a comprehensive range of loan product and credit facilities; access to the ‘W’ community, with helpful advice on family and financial matters; home and family articles and details of special offers and access to a wide range of discounts, special offers and freebies on health, beauty and fitness. Mr. Herbert Wigwe talked at length about the Maternal Health Support Scheme (MHSS) which offers financial assistance to women who face difficulty with completing their family.
Access Bank is committed to women empowerment and is uniquely positioned as the bank of choice for women, offering innovative women-focused products and services. Recently, the bank was appointed to the National Advisory Board of WEConnect, a global non-profit organization committed to sustainable economic growth by increasing opportunities for women-owned businesses. The appointment was in recognition of the bank’s numerous contributions to the development of women entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa. By its membership, Access Bank becomes the only financial institution partner of the international women-empowerment organization which draws its membership from over 70 countries across the globe.