The FLAIR (First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience) was held on June 24th 2025 in London. While speaking at the summit, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE: Co-Founder – FLAIR Summit said this high-level Participation focuses on Africa development. She also said that FLAIR London Summit was indeed a newsworthy story, primarily due to its focus on amplifying African women's leadership and addressing critical development challenges across the continent. The summit brought together African First Ladies, alongside global business leaders, philanthropists, and policymakers, whereby underscoring the significance of the event and the commitment to driving change.
Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson (Ag. VC) University of Nairobi message delivered by Prof. Susan Chepkonga, dwelled on discussions and initiatives that focus on critical areas such as Healthcare, Education, Climate Resilience, Women's Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Innovation. This directly aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Kenya was well represented from academia, Industry, Health and women in Tech. The National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA-K) was ably represented by Irene Chepkoech Chumo Waluke spouse of Hon. John Waluke, Member of National Assemby Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, Kenya and Rose Njeri Mugabe spouse of Hon. Innocent Mugabe Member of National Assembly Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega, Kenya. Both the First ladies articulated activities which they are passionate about in Educating and Empowering women. The United Women's Empowerment Programme – Africa (UWEPA) an NGO operating in Kenya that advocates for and works towards transforming the economic, health, and social well-being of women was led by Geraldine Valerie Adhiambo Wesonga, the programme manager. Their approach involves building individual agency and group social capital through initiatives like savings groups and entrepreneurship.
On Strategic Partnerships and Global Connections, Dr Tom Ilube CBE, emphasized that summit was organized in partnership with major institutions like the London Stock Exchange (LSEG), University of Nairobi, Financial Times among others highlighting a strategic effort to connect African initiatives with global financial ecosystems and unlock investment.
Baroness Verma of Leicester, Member of the House of Lords, led the visits to key UK institutions like the House of Commons and House of Lords, reinforcing trade, investment, and diplomatic connections between Africa and the UK.
Emphasis on Women's Transformative Leadership, was articulated by Canon Dr. Ida Odinga compelling keynote address at the FLAIR Summit, which advocated for the amplification of African women and girls' voices globally. She declared, "Africa's future is unequivocally female," linking FLAIR's mission to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in education, gender equality, and economic growth. Dr. Odinga acknowledged persistent barriers like limited STEM access and gender-based violence, but emphasized the remarkable resilience and innovation of African women through initiatives such as women's SACCOs and community health volunteers in Kenya. She conveyed support from Kenya's First Lady HE Mrs. Rachel Ruto and urged global investment in future women leaders, concluding with the powerful statement: "When African women rise, Africa rises."
A central theme was "From Influence to Impact: Advancing Resilience and Economic Inclusion," showcasing the pivotal role First Ladies play as catalysts for national development.
Queen Atuwatse III: Warri Kingdom, pinpoint that the summit aimes to create scalable models of inclusive development championed by Africa's First Ladies, fueled by public-private partnerships. This moves beyond symbolic gestures to focus on tangible policy engagement and grassroots reform. H.E. Abdulrazaq: First Lady of Kwara State said the primary mission was to advance equality, opportunity, and prosperity in Africa. Addressing Critical Developmental Gaps, the summit unveiled cross-sectoral initiatives designed to tackle pressing developmental challenges in Africa, with a special emphasis on boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing regional integration. African First Ladies presented country-led solutions and spearheaded joint action plans to stimulate inclusive growth and economic resilience.
The event featured an Awards Gala Dinner whereby the University of Nairobi was awarded the Certificate of HONOUR, Excellence in development education award, celebrating the achievements of women in various sectors, further emphasizing the recognition and promotion of female leadership and innovation.
The University of Nairobi’s Prof. Susan Chepkonga, alongside her counterpart Prof. Anne Assey, emphasized the critical role of innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in fostering youth development across Africa, with a particular focus on empowering young women.
The FLAIR Summit in London focused on empowering African women leaders, fostering strategic partnerships for development, addressing crucial continental challenges, and the inherent controversies that sometimes accompany high-profile international gatherings.
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