The #WCWSummit2025 has opened in Johannesburg, with the organization’s CEO, Theo Sowa, and Director of Programmes, Shiphra Chisha, setting the tone for the event. The summit centers on purpose, impact, and collective power, emphasizing true equality through collective action, balance, and systemic change.
Theo Sowa reflected on the organization’s deeper purpose, noting that the economic empowerment of women is essential for the continent’s prosperity. She explained that wealth, as defined by African women, is not only personal but also communal, uplifting entire communities. The organization is committed to supporting individual women while reshaping the systems that limit them, including access to finance, markets, and economic leadership.
Shiphra Chisha opened the summit by highlighting the possibilities that arise when women are equipped with the right tools—practical skills, leadership, market access, and ownership of their journeys. This year marks a 15‑year milestone for the organization, demonstrating sustained impact and dedication. Over the past two years, 3,694 women have participated in the program, raising $14.5 million in capital, building thriving and sustainable enterprises, and positively affecting more than 26,000 lives.
These achievements underscore the organization’s commitment to empowering women and driving economic change. The summit provides a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, aiming to unlock women’s economic potential and contribute to the continent’s prosperity. As the organization celebrates its 15‑year milestone, it reaffirms its dedication to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for African women and their communities. The focus on collective power and systemic change highlights the ongoing need to address structural barriers that limit women’s economic participation.
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