The International Women’s Day Conference (IWDC) 2025, hosted by the IWDC 2130 Community Development Foundation and the Global Women Development Network, marked another milestone in celebrating women’s voices, ideas, and influence across the world. With over 150 countries participating, this year’s theme — “Connecting Dots, Building Bridges, and Empowering Women” — set the tone for a week of impactful conversations and global collaboration across 18 sectors.
Among the key highlights was South Africa’s Nozie Sogoni, who emerged as a double award recipient. She was named Best Moderator for the second consecutive year and also walked away with the Best Business Idea award under the “Women in Business and Informal Economy” category. Sogoni, representing the performing arts and cultural sector, continues to inspire women across the African continent and beyond.
The award ceremony recognized 18 women champions from various sectors, such as health, peace and human rights, IT and high-tech, agriculture, and special abilities. These include:
- Ivone Soares (Political Education)
- Maria Veneke Ylikomi (Peace and Human Rights)
- Samina Ashraf (Climate Change)
- Ujunwa Okeke (Health and Wellbeing)
- Chantal Maxim (Business and Informal Economy)
- Dr. Tamara Alqolaghassi (Investments)
- Branka van der Linden (ICT and High Tech)
- Jemimah Kutata (Women with Special Abilities)
- Bunny Bhoola (Tourism), among others.
South Africa was also awarded Best Region, cementing its growing influence in global women empowerment conversations.
With the largest and most diverse speaker bank in the world, the IWDC 2021–2030 initiative continues to amplify women’s voices, engage nations, and drive transformation across every language and region.
“We are the movement. We are the momentum. We are the message,” the organisers declared in a resounding affirmation of purpose and progress.
