Organized and led by African women, the RAW Conference presents a novel perspective on gender discourse that resonates not only within Africa, but across the global community. The RAW Conference was created with the clear vision of advancing the visibility and perspectives of African women in global discourse. It brings together prominent public and private sector organizations, as well as trailblazing individuals from various fields such as business, finance, law, media, technology, sports, art, entertainment, academia, philanthropy, and politics, both from within and outside the continent.

The conference’s inaugural edition which took place in May 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda received significant praise from guests and speakers alike. The inaugural edition of the conference, held in May 2023, garnered significant acclaim. Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, commended the high-quality conversations that took place, describing them as “unmatched.” Amb. Amina Mohamed, a former Minister for Sports, Education, and Foreign Affairs in Kenya, hailed the RAW Conference as “a very safe space for women.” Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the Resident Coordinator and Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Rwanda, emphasized its significance, calling it “necessary,” and praised its programming as “ground-breaking” and “cutting edge.”

For organizations, the RAW Conference serves as an opportunity to advance the cause of African women and be an integral part of a transformative movement that shapes the future of gender discourse globally.