Banjul Mayor, Rohey Malick-Lowe, played a pivotal role at the ImpactHER Conference held in Abuja on December 13, 2024, where over 2,000 women from across Africa and America gathered to discuss challenges and propose solutions for women’s empowerment.

The conference, organized by ImpactHER in partnership with the African Union, emphasized the role of women entrepreneurs in driving sustainable growth and accessing eco-financing to overcome barriers to financial inclusion.

Reflecting on the gathering, Malick-Lowe shared her pride in the positive shift in the global discourse surrounding women’s rights. “I am happy to see the shift in the debate addressing women’s issues, with a focus on respect, protection, and empowerment worldwide,” she remarked.

The Mayor highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that the network of local elected women of Africa (REFELA) had successfully lobbied for stronger global policies to protect women’s rights, which will be presented at the Beijing +30 summit in March 2025 at the United Nations.

One of the major achievements of the conference was the distribution of $250,000 to women entrepreneurs, with the funds intended to support their business ventures and improve livelihoods. Furthermore, Malick-Lowe praised the partnership between ImpactHER and the REFELA Gambia Chapter, which is set to implement initiatives aimed at empowering women in The Gambia. The collaboration also includes the Back to School Project, which seeks to provide educational opportunities for young girls in the region.

During her visit to the Bank of Industry, Malick-Lowe was impressed by the bank’s focus on supporting women-led businesses and its transformative role in Nigeria’s economic development.

“It is overwhelming seeing you transforming Nigeria,” she said, acknowledging the efforts of long-time friends now managing the bank.

In closing, Malick-Lowe expressed her gratitude to the president and founder of ImpactHER, Madam Efe Ukala, Esq., for organizing the conference.

She also looked ahead to further collaborations, with her next stop being The Gambia.

“Next destination is The Gambia,” she affirmed, as the movement to empower African women continues to gain momentum across the continent.