With focus on advancing gender equality, health innovation and economic empowerment for women, Sanicle recently hosted the Beyond Beijing 30 Summit – marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which brought together a distinguished group of global leaders, policymakers, and changemakers at Columbia University to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
[ad]
The summit also celebrated trailblazers who have continued to define the future of gender equality through the NOVA Awards. Sponsored by Sanicle, Cloud and IBTK Foundation, it is established to celebrate women who are challenging the status quo and taking new strides in women’s leadership.
Notable figures in attendance were Minister of Women Affairs, Nigeria, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sierra Leone, Dr. Isata Mahoi, alongside keynotes from distinguished leaders, including Lady Tee Thompson.
With five years left to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 5 on Gender Equality, the summit extensively tackled pressing matters on the intersection of gender, innovation and policy from dynamic viewpoints.
Executive Director, UNESCO Center for Peace, Guy Djoken in his welcome address noted that women still face numerous obstacles that limit their access to knowledge and empowerment opportunities. “There are still many persistent challenges faced by women globally, particularly in Africa, including barriers to education, technology access, and financial empowerment. It is important to involve men in women’s empowerment initiatives, as true progress requires collective action and shared responsibility,” he said.
Isata Mahoi in her keynote address highlighted her nation’s efforts to empower women and girls, adding that opening new doors for girls to maximise their potential should become a global necessity. “Creating opportunities for girls to dream, learn, and lead is not just a policy priority—it is a moral imperative.”
Retired UN Official and Founder of IBTK Foundation, Hawa Taylor Kamara Diallo, stated that the awardees are not just recognised for their past accomplishments, but for their active efforts in advocacy for gender equality and women empowerment. “These women have demonstrated a dedication to turning projects into tangible products and services that uplift women.”
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who was honoured with the NOVA Prize, for her exemplary commitment towards achieving gender equality stated that the award was a testament to the milestones women are currently making in tackling the gender bias, and acknowledged the need to continue confronting the challenges faced head on.
“This award is not just for me; it is for the countless women and girls across Nigeria who inspire us every day with their resilience and strength. While we acknowledge the progress made, we must also confront the stark realities; the heightened vulnerability of women and children during disasters, the struggles faced in urban slums. This recognition strengthens our resolve to address these challenges head-on.”
[ad]
