Goals House, New York, September 30, 2024
Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) made a powerful debut during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week with its official launch on September 26th. The invite-only event, held at Goals House in New York, brought together philanthropists, decision-makers, influential women leaders, and some men from around the world, united in the commitment to drive transformative change across Africa.
With none of the targets for SDG 5 – gender equality – being met and just six years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, WIPIA‘s launch is both timely and urgent. Co-founder Dr. Anino Emuwa emphasized, “Gender equality is a catalyst for progress toward achieving the SDGs. WIPIA is committed to advocating for a gender perspective in all policies and actions related to catalytic philanthropy.”
WIPIA‘s mission is to harness the power of women’s leadership in philanthropy to direct and mobilize funding toward inclusive solutions that deliver meaningful, sustainable impact. The initiative focuses on critical areas such as social entrepreneurship, closing gender and digital gaps, education for all, and climate solutions.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, Hannatu Musa Musawa, delivered a rousing address at the event, championing the role of women in driving Africa’s development. She stated, “Africa has to work, and it has to work in a way that will bring betterment to its people. Africa can only work if we can really empower women because they are the thrust. They are the foundation of what our communities are all about. So, launching a vehicle like WIPIA will help develop a whole community and continent. Most of the people that we really need at the base are women. So I want to congratulate you on the launch of WIPIA.”
The launch event also featured inspiring remarks from high-profile speakers, including Mr. Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy, who emphasized the need for increased gender-focused philanthropy. An insightful panel saw the CEO of African Diaspora Network, Almaz Negash; EVP of Philanthropy at Milken Institute, Melissa Stevens; MD Africa and Global Partnerships at World Resources Institute, Wanjira Mathai, break down how philanthropy can create scalable impact in Africa. Senior Africa Editor at CNN Worldwide, Stephanie Busari moderated the panel while Tola St. Matthew-Daniel hosted the event.
“I am very much convinced that the launch of WIPIA at Goals House on the sidelines of UNGA79 by three women of African descent living in the diaspora, carrying a vision for Africa to prosper, will be marked in history as the beginning of never before seen catalytic change and tangible impact for women in philanthropy across Africa,” said Dr Sindy Zemura- Bernard
According to her, WIPIA will drive transformative and structured philanthropy for women founders to empower their communities and foster intergenerational impact and sustainability while promoting and achieving gender equality.
Co-founder Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke highlighted the organization’s strategic position to elevate conversations on channeling catalytic capital toward supporting women and girls. “The right capital in the right amounts by a collaboration of the right places can make significant advances over the next few years, and WIPIA hopes to be an integral part of those conversations,” she added.
WIPIA‘s launch marks the beginning of a new era of gender-focused philanthropy in Africa. The initiative aims to bridge funding gaps, create systemic change, and pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for the continent.
For further information on how to get involved, please contact WIPIA on social media @wipiafrica.
