The health crisis has not been the end of the second edition of JFD Africa, which will take place on July 2nd at 6pm (GMT), simultaneously broadcasted on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and joinjfd.com, to celebrate African women who are changing the world thanks to digital technology. With Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, as its godmother, JFD Africa 2020 will focus on the crucial role of digital in addressing major global issues and the importance of greater inclusion of women in STEM.
Women & Digital, the solution for a fairer and more inclusive world.
During this health crisis, digital technology has come to the forefront as an essential tool for our ecosystems. It has allowed us to stay informed, to maintain social contact, to work from home…
All over the world, concrete technological solutions to deal with the crisis have emerged. Africa in particular, has once again demonstrated its capacity for innovation and the creativity of its youth: hackathons have sprung up all over the continent to develop MedTech, GreenTech, e-learning solutions… made in Africa.
World champions in women’s entrepreneurship , true backbones of the African economy and 1 formidable levers of acceleration for the inclusive growth of the continent, women must be trusted to overcome the coming economic crisis because they are the bearers of solutions for a fairer and more inclusive world.
For 8 years JFD has been leading initiatives for an inclusive digital world where women’s voices will count. Through testimonials and exchanges on the continent’s challenges, the digital edition of JFD Africa 2020 wants to promote African women who are working to change the lines, to encourage vocations among the youngest, while challenging preconceived ideas.
“JFD’s ambition is to go beyond generations, genders, borders, beyond awareness to reach parity well before 2120 . We are delighted to count on the support of Louise Mushikiwabo, 2 Secretary General of La Francophonie, godmother of the event, for whom inclusion is a priority.”, says Delphine Remy-Boutang, CEO the Bureau & JFD, President of GEN France.
The agenda for July 2nd will be based on 3 main topics:
● Women and Science: education, the first lever of development, with Isabelle Bébéar, Head of International & European Affairs Bpifrance, Virginie Dias-Tagnon, Talent Director for L’Oréal, in charge of talents for the African countries, Jacqueline Mukarukundo, co-founder of Wastezon, Margaret Entrepreneur Africa 2020, Afua Osei, co-founder of She Leads Africa, Margaret of Honor 2020 and Fatimata Wane, journalist France 24.
● Women and Tech: the keys to sustainable and equitable economic growth, with Boutheina Guermazi, Director of digital development for World Bank, Sinatou Saka, journalist and editorial project manager RFI & France 24, etc.
● Diving in the heart of the Rwandan tech ecosystem, with Clarisse Iribagiza, CEO DMMHehe, Nathalie Munyampenda, General Manager Next Einstein Forum and Dounia Ben Mohammed, Editor-in-chief, Africa News Agency.
“Women, with their capacity for innovation and adaptation, have this ability to play the role of transformers. When everyone is allowed to participate in change, that change is possible. Today, despite the growing opportunities offered by the digital sector, gender inequalities remain, preventing women from taking full advantage of its opportunities and contributing to its development. I am very proud to be the godmother of this edition of JFD, an event that works towards greater parity in a sector whose essential role for the future is well established ”, confirms JFD Africa 2020’s godmother, Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of la Francophonie.
“As a woman in the tech sector, it is very difficult for me to imagine a digital world where women do not play a major role not only as users but also as creators of the technologies of the future. A forum like JFD is an opportunity to remind us loud and clear that the future of digital technology lies with women. Bridging the digital divide that deprives more than 300 million women in low- and middle-income countries of access to the Internet is fundamental. Broadening access to digital jobs by investing in the training of young girls is equally important.”, says Boutheina Guermazi, Director of digital development for World Bank.
The edition will close with a musical performance by the Cameroonian singer Patricia Essong.
