Women Deliver Conference ends with lasting impact

Women Deliver Conference came to an end on July 20 after four days of empowering discussions. With more than 6,000 attendees gathered in person and 200,000 participating online, the conference was the largest meeting on gender equality in recent records.

The closing ceremony commenced with an uplifting performance by local feminists, setting the tone for the day’s theme, “make space, stand in solidarity.” The atmosphere was electric as participants cheered with fervor, celebrating the monumental achievements and resilience of women who have shattered barriers and defied expectations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the minister of Gender and Family promotion, Jeannette Bayisenge, highlighted Rwanda’s journey towards gender equality and reiterating the nation’s commitment to involve women and girls from all walks of life.

“Throughout this gathering, we have been privileged to witness and participate in an exceptional exchange of ideas, capabilities, and ambitions. We reaffirm our collective commitment to empowering women and girls in their diverse roles and experiences,” said Minister Bayisenge.

former US First Lady, Michelle Obama also spoke virtually at the closing ceremony where she expressed her admiration and gratitude for the work done by feminists in their communities.

“I’m so inspired by the work that the leaders in this room are doing for women and girls every day,” Obama expressed passionately. “The world is at a critical juncture for women and girls, facing challenges from global conflicts to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. We need your leadership more than ever before.”

Women Deliver Conference provided a unique platform for feminists, rights activists, and various stakeholders to collaborate and find solutions to the pressing challenges in achieving gender equality. The theme, “Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions,” served as a guiding beacon for transformative discussions that will resonate far beyond the conference.

To end the five-day convening on a high note, the attendees were treated to musical performances by American singer-songwriter MILCK and the Nyundo Music School, further igniting the spirit of empowerment and celebration.

As the curtains closed on the Women Deliver Conference, there was a resounding call to action.

PICTORIAL OF MAJOR EVENTS THAT MARKED WOMEN DELIVER CONFERENCE

Delegates at the HerStory initiative that aimed to address gender equality issues and create space for solutions to that global challenge. Courtesy.

Some of the delegates at the Women Deliver Conference participated in a drum and dance session on Wednesday, July 19. The drum and dance session, set against a beautiful sunset, kicked off with traditional drummers hitting the hay, in a way that made delegates, especially the non-Rwandan ones, want to join the drummers and the dancers.

After the opening session delegates attended Culture Night, an opportunity for the host country, Rwanda, to showcase its rich traditions and cultural heritage.

Over 6000 delegates attended in person the Women Deliver Conference in Kigali

President Paul Kagame addresses over delegates at the official opening of Women Deliver 2023 Conference at BK Arena, on Monday, July 17. During his remarks, Kagame said that commitments that are not followed by action cannot fulfill the promise to build a more just and prosperous future for future generations. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza.

Participants celebrate the official opening of the conference in Kigali on Monday, January 17.

(L-R) President of Senegal’s Macky Sall, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde and Hungary’s Katalin Novák during a panel discussion at the opening ceremony.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame with delegates at a side event of the Women Deliver conference themed “Scaling Innovative Solutions to Enhance Women’s Access to Finance” on Wednesday, July 19, in Kigali.

Women Deliver Conference delegates on July 19, practiced Yoga exercise as one of the side events of the conference.

Delegates at Kigali Arena taking a selfie after picking their badges, ahead of the Women Deliver Conference on Saturday, July 15.

The Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023) in Kigali, Rwanda, has attracted over 6,000 delegates attending in person from all over the world

President and CEO of Women Deliver, Maliha Khan addresses delegates on July 18. She highlighted the need for securing bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls.