Powering Parity
This 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Mastercard Foundation and visionary leaders hosted two pivotal events on September 22nd to address critical issues of girls’ education and young women’s economic empowerment in Africa.
Powering Parity: Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future
The first event, Powering Parity: Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future, featured a panel of distinguished speakers who explored how to keep young African women in school, equip them with market-relevant skills, and support their transition to dignified livelihoods.
We heard from governments about their innovations and actions, spoke with our partners about their work, and, importantly, heard from young women about their ideas and experiences.
Our Focus for Powering Parity: Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future:
- Inspirational Keynotes: Hear from invincible women who have defied the odds to build successful businesses.
- Dynamic Panels: Engage with experts on reimagining and transforming Africa’s financial systems.
- Spark Talks: Young changemakers share inspiring stories and innovative solutions.
- Impact-Driven Solutions: Actionable recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations.
- Networking: Connect with influential leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers.
- Commitment Announcements: Mastercard Foundation’s pledge to young women’s secondary education and transitions.
Watch the highlights of this incredible event:
Panels
During this event we were joined by an incredible roster of speakers and panelists:
Opening Performance
Fanta Ballo
Spoken word artist
Welcome from the Foundation
Sconaid McGeachin
Chief Public Affairs and Communications, Mastercard Foundation
Reeta Roy
President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation
Panel Discussion: Gains, Guides and Gumption
Moderator: Tumi Makgabo
Award-winning broadcaster
Professor Berhanu Nega
Minister of Education, Ethiopia
Professor Mohammed Belhocine
African Union Commissioner in Charge of ESTI
Haja Ramatulai Wurie
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leon
Panel Discussion: UNESCO Insights: Advancing Inclusive Education
Stefania Giannini
Assistant-Director General for Education, UNESCO
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Reflections
Moderator: Chido Mpemba
Special Envoy for Youth at the African Union Commission
Munya Mahiya
Forward for the Golden State Road Warriors (Mastercard Foundation Scholar)
Dr. Yeukai Mlambo
Executive Director of African Initiatives, ASU
Shantel Marekera Chakara
Legal Analyst, World Bank Group (Mastercard Foundation Scholar)
Panel Discussion: Building Resilient Learning Systems
Wariko Waita
Senior Director, Corporate Communications Mastercard
Dr. Bosun Tijani
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Nigeria
Closing Session: Embracing Bold Action
Moderator: Julie Gichuru
Founder & CEO, Africa Leadership & Dialogue Institute
Tina Muparadzi
Executive Director, Education Transitions, Mastercard Foundation
Fiona Mavhinga
Executive Director for CAMFED Association Development
Martha Muhwezi
Executive Director, FAWE
Our Learnings and News
The Mastercard Foundation Brings Together Key Stakeholders to Drive Impact on Secondary Education and Women’s Empowerment in Africa at UNGA 79
Mastercard Foundation, CAMFED, and FAWE Partnership to Accelerate Education and Access to Work Opportunities for Over 70,000 Young Africans
Gender Parity will unlock $287B for Africa’s Economy by 2030: Mastercard Foundation Report
Educating Girls Generates Economic Transformation In Africa
Secondary Education in Africa: Preparing Youth for the Future of Work
Young Women in Africa: Agents of Economic Growth and Transformation By 2030
