The sixth annual webinar, held under the UN International Women’s Day theme ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’, was moderated by Self Help Africa CEO Niamh De Loughry,  and featured contributions from women in Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Malawi, and Ireland who are engaged in academia, agriculture, policy and activism.

Elizabeth Maanda, a Zambian agronomist and founder of Agro-Queens, spoke about her experience working in agriculture in Zambia and about the work of her Agro-Queens network in supporting women in agri-business.

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of ONE, spoke about the context of women’s legal rights in Nigeria, her journey as a social innovator, and the work of the ONE Campaign in advancing justice and equity for women and girls. Ndidi emphasised the importance of supporting and uplifting one another. She said:

“Investing in communities of support, we need to be sponsors and champions and critics and role models for each other, and to stay humble and grounded as we rise.”

Vicky Dillon spoke about the work of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Ireland’s position on women’s rights and justice worldwide, while Jacqueline Chalemera from Self Help Africa described her work on a biofortification in Malawi, and the value and importance of early childhood nutrition in her country. 

Professor Ruth Oniang’o reflected on her extensive experience as a professor, nutrition expert, and former member of the Kenyan parliament. She shared lessons from her career and personal journey:

“God made me as a woman and I am a super human being. We are super! We don’t give ourselves enough credit.”

You can watch the full webinar below: