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BRIEFJuly 26, 2024

Women of Action Series: Pioneers in their own right

In this episode of Women in Action, we have none other than Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the African Union Special Envoy on Youth. Chido has made history as the youngest senior official and diplomat in the Chairperson’s cabinet. As the spokesperson for African youth, she is a powerful advocate for youth development, championing their role in decision-making and promoting African values across the continent and beyond.

Saying that women are vital to ending poverty couldn’t be more accurate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the devastating social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Western and Central Africa have been shaking norms and shattering stereotypes.

The series “Women of Action, Stories of Change, Stories of Change” spotlights a group of women who have done just that throughout the region. In candid conversations, they talk about their journeys, passions, dream projects, and aspirations for other women. 

So, what drives them? The desire to transform a continent with the positive and uplifting message: “if I can do it, so can you.”

The series also exemplifies why and how the World Bank’s work on women’s and girls’ empowerment is critical. It is primarily through the lenses of the “4 Es”; empowering women, employing women, enhancing access to reproductive health services, and educating girls.

Strengthening women’s roles as leaders, entrepreneurs, consumers, and economic stakeholders will transform the African continent for the better. There is still a long way to achieving gender equality across education, health, social protection, and economic outcomes. Still, the inspirational stories of Women in Action embody a continent on the move.

Meet our Women of Action.

Women of Action - Season 2

Women of Action - Season 1