The Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), dedicated to redefining the theory and practice of inclusive leadership and bringing true and enduring empowerment to women at various levels, and Amazon Watch Magazine (AWM), the premier women development publication, committed to continually highlighting the giant strides of women from Africa and the rest of the world, recently hosted the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2023, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) New York in September. During this timeless yet timely conference in the Big Apple and City of Dreams, the highly anticipated Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook – Volume 1 was launched.
Renowned as the prestigious global convocation of women leaders, the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC), with the theme “Advancing Resilience & Transformational Women Leadership for Sustainable High Performance & Global Impact,” held at Nassau Suite, New York Hilton Midtown, United States of America, with a massive turnout of prestigious guests, and a variety of engaging activities, marking a significant turning point in the cause of women’s empowerment.
The GWPC 2023 brought together women from all walks of life to celebrate their accomplishments, share their impact stories and journey through transformational leadership, and encourage others with their personal and professional development experiences.
Delivering the welcome address, the GPWC host, Dr Ibifuro Ken-Giami, Executive Director of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), welcomed all guests to the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) 2023, saying, “I believe that we are here, sited in this room today because we are united by a common purpose to redefine the narrative of leadership and impact through the lens of women around the world, also united by a shared vision of the world where women are not just participants but leaders; not just dreamers, but doers. We are here to honour the audacity of hope, the power of resilience, and the spirit of transformation that women leaders around the world embody. These are women who dare to dream, challenge conventions, disrupt norms, transform their respective fields, and dare to lead. They have not just left footprints in the sands of time but have also carved pathways for future generations.”
Dr Giami noted that the conference is more than just a gathering or an event, stating that “it is a celebration of our collective strength, a shared vision, and unwavering belief in the power of women. The strength of diversity and the impact of transformational leadership. It is about recognizing that each one of us is a beacon of change. So, over the next few hours, we will hear stories, inspired ideas, and insights that provoke thoughts and challenge our perspectives. We will learn from women who have braved storms, and I mean storms, climbed mountains, and shattered glasses. Their journeys are a testament to their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
Recognizing the presence of the women leaders who have sacrificed their time to be at the GPWC to share their insightful thoughts, Dr Giami acknowledged the presence of Her Excellency Osmani-Sadriu, the President of Kosovo, HE Melissa Santokhi-Seenacherry, First Lady of Suriname, HE Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi; Hon. Rosalyn Henderson Myers, Member South Carolina House of Representative; Hon Ebony Young, Deputy Borough President, New York; Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigher, Former Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and Founder of the Organization of World Leaders; Rachael Glashan Rupisan, Executive Director Alice Paul Institute; Kasia Reterska – EVP, Social Impact & Sustainability – Weber Shandwick; Dr Laura Sleeper Dean, School of Dental Sciences, Plaza College, Marwa Hussein, Program Director, Agricultural & Natural Resources at CARE Egypt Foundation; Dr. Ifeanyi G. Egbunike Chukwuma Pharm B.DC.P, S, BCACP, Dir. of Pharmacy Services at UMMC Midtown campus, Univ. of Maryland Medical System, Dr. N. Iloh MD Medical Director, Psychiatry Emergency Dep. Garnet Health Medical Center; Founder, Assoc. of Nig. American Healthcare Professionals Legends, Stella N. Uwechia, M.Sc., RDH. Healthcare Informaticist, Researcher, Oral Health Educator, and Clinician, to mention a few.
In closing, Dr Giami noted that we all have a role in shaping our world, stating, “This conference is not just about our speakers; it is about you; it is about recognizing that each one of us has a role to play in shaping our world and understanding that leadership is not just about power and authority. It is about influence and a realization that transformation is not limited to the concept of change but largely revolves around impacts and leaving a legacy.”
Her Excellency, Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of Kosovo, also delivered the keynote address on the conference theme, Advancing Resilience & Transformational Women Leadership for Sustainable High Performance & Global Impact, during the opening plenary. She highlighted that “When we advocate for transformational leadership, we are advocating for a world where the contribution of women is valued and celebrated equally alongside that of our male counterparts.”
Other key highlights of the event featured speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an exhibition area. Kasia Reterska – EVP, Social Impact & Sustainability – Weber Shandwick delivered an outstanding and intriguing presentation during Session 1 on the topic. Being the Female Pioneer in a Male Monopolized Terrain – a Lesson in Resilience and Strategy.
Panel Session 1, titled – Confidence: The Secret Sauce to Propel Women into Leadership Positions, also featured speakers such as Ms. Chaya Pamula, Co-Founder, President & CEO, PamTen Inc.; Marwa Hussein, Program Director, Agricultural & Natural Resources at CARE Egypt Foundation and Deepika Misra, CEO and Founder Deepika Misra Consulting.
Another key highlight of the GPWC was the First Ladies on a Mission Roundtable Session, an exciting high-level session that enlightens participants about the laudable projects and social courses undertaken by First Ladies and the impact these projects have had on the people of their nations. Presenters at this session were HE Melissa Santokhi-Seenacherry, First Lady of Suriname, who spoke about her project “HOW WE FEEL“, an initiative that encourages and improves social communication of young people in Suriname, and HE Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, who presented the “UMUGIRANEZA Good Action Foundation”, which caters for vulnerable people and promotes formal and non-formal education as well as good maternal and child health in Burundi.
The World We Want for Women (4Ws) (an initiative of Amazons Watch magazine targeted at girls and young women with lofty ambitions and a dream for the future of women) was also launched during the GPWC 2023, kicking off with a panel session on “Harnessing 5D and the Future of Healthcare for Women in Developing Regions”. The speakers during the 4Ws launch session include Dr Ifeanyi G. Egbunike-Chukwuma; Pharm.D, BCPS, BCACP, Director of Pharmacy Services at UNNC Midtown Campus, the University of Maryland Medical System; Dr Laura Sleeper, Dean, School of Dental Sciences, Plaza Colege, NY; Dr Nkiruka Iloh MD – Medical Director, Psychiatry Emergency Department Garment Health Medical; and Ms Chioma Ohakam – Manager Public Engagement, Office of the Mayor of New York.
Overall, the GPWC 2023 speakers encouraged attendees to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges while presenting during the exciting leadership, personal development, and well-being sessions, addressing pressing issues like gender equality and career advancement.
The Launch of the Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook – Volume 1
The GPWC 2023 also hosted the launch of the highly anticipated Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook. A timeless compilation of success stories, achievements, innovations, and impact generated by the world’s top Power Women, powering impact across the globe, with the primary aim to present a strong narrative of the impact of women’s leadership across diverse sectors and regions of the world. During the launch and unveiling of The GPW Yearbook Volume, Dr Mrs Ken-Giami emphasised that “It is indeed not a cliché to boldly say that this book is no ordinary yearbook; It is a timeless chronicle of courage, a testament of tenacity, and a tribute to the women trailblazers who dared to defy norms and shatter glass ceilings. Each page of this novel book is a journey through time, each story a beacon of inspiration. She also mentioned that “whilst writing and compiling these inspiring stories of impact, we discovered that the relentless contributions and achievements of women who are privileged to sit on key world decision tables cannot be contained nor fully captured in a book; so this is more than a book, it is indeed a movement a platform, a network, and a resource for anyone who wants to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the power of women leadership. It is also a recognition, a tribute, and a gratitude to the women who have paved the way for us and those who are leading us forward.” CLICK HERE to access the GPW Yearbook Launch Video.
Holistically, the GPWC 2023 provided networking opportunities for the participants and other intriguing activities aimed at empowering and inspiring women worldwide.
In expressing gratitude, Dr Giami and Stella N. Uwechia, the GPWC City Host stated, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to this year’s GWPC. Witnessing the gathering of trailblazers and achievers, with the sole purpose of supporting each other and celebrating their accomplishment is truly inspiring.”
The Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) UK and Amazons Watch Magazine believe that events such as the GPWC are pertinent to promoting, empowering, and uniting women from all walks of life, and it looks forward to the September 2024 edition. The organizers remain committed to their mission of empowering women and will continue to host events and initiatives that contribute to the growth and success of women from all backgrounds.
For more information about the GWPC/yearbook launch and future events, please visit https://www.amazonswatchmagazine.com/ / https://celd.org.uk/ or contact us at info@amazonswatchmagzine.com
About Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM):
Renowned as the foremost voice for women globally, the Amazons Watch Magazine is a premier women development publication committed to continually highlighting the giant strides of women from Africa and the rest of the world.
AWM has a media philosophy rooted in preserving women’s pride and dignity through an objective reportage on gender inequalities and social injustices experienced by women while profiling their amazing achievements for reference, duplication and inspiration to the upcoming generation of women leaders.
About Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD):
The Centre for Economic Leadership and Development (CELD) is a renowned gender research & social impact organization with a special interest in seeking and providing enduring empowerment, elevation, and equitable development for women of all cultures and circumstances, particularly in Africa, other developing regions and the rest of the world in general. CELD is currently in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 2012.
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