NAIROBI, Kenya- The Mastercard Foundation is set to spotlight two major issues at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) with events focused on girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment in Africa.
On September 22, 2024, at the Millennium Hilton New York, the Foundation will host two pivotal gatherings under the themes Powering Parity – Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future and Invincible: Empowering Women, Transforming Africa.
These events aim to explore innovative educational models and solutions designed to create a more inclusive economic landscape for African women.
The first session, titled Powering Parity – Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future, will delve into strategies for improving educational access and outcomes for young African women.
The Mastercard Foundation plans to unveil a major partnership expansion aimed at bolstering initiatives for girls and young women.
Attendees will engage in discussions about successful educational frameworks and policies that are reshaping the future for African girls.
According to Tina Muparadzi, Executive Director of Education and Transitions at the Mastercard Foundation, this session is a crucial step towards amplifying the voices of African educators and innovators.
“The focus is on effective strategies that improve learning outcomes and facilitate smooth transitions through education for young women,” Muparadzi shared.
The second event, Invincible: Empowering Women, Transforming Africa, will address economic disparities and explore ways to empower African women to take charge of their financial futures.
This session will feature discussions on innovative financial systems that can support women across the continent.
Experts from the fields of finance, policy, and development, including Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and Deniece Laurent-Mantey from the White House’s Africa Diaspora Advisory Council, will provide insights into the current landscape and future opportunities.
The Mastercard Foundation’s President and CEO, Reeta Roy, expressed her optimism about the event’s focus.
“We have every reason to be optimistic, thanks to the extraordinary African educators and innovators who are delivering quality education to young people,” Roy stated.
The events are expected to draw key stakeholders, including government officials, multilateral institutions, and non-governmental organizations, all dedicated to improving educational and economic outcomes for women.
Ministers from Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Nigeria will be among the high-profile participants sharing their expertise.
These events mark a significant opportunity to address the educational and economic challenges facing women across the continent and signal a future where girls and young women can thrive.
