The African Regional Congress taking place in Abuja from the 15th to 17th October 2009 after Accra 2004, Egypt 2006, Benin 2007, will emphasize: « The power of the women of the whole world and particularly African women, to make the difference through Leadership » The Millennium Development Goal: MDG3 recommends women’s self-sufficiency and the equal rights of women. But how can business women within BPW achieve this goal from now till 2015?

I - Objectives of the congress

The congress will enable participants:

• Share their experiences and acquire new knowledge as well as appropriate strategies for the harmonious development of their enterprises and of their professional qualifications through the main theme;
• Gain access to new business opportunities and new personal development strategies
• Develop a strategy for the education of young girls wishing to do business in various African countries
• Consolidate the commitment of leaders of BPW clubs in Africa, with a view to widening the network of BPW women.
• Create a better involvement of BPW Africa members in BPW international’s activities.

II - Expected Results from the Congress

It is expected that by the end of the congress, participants would have:

• acquired new knowledge and shared successful experiences in education and capacity building;
• gained access to new business opportunities and also to new personal development strategies;
• adopted a strategy for the education of young girls wishing to do business in various African countries.
• developed a desire for better involvement of BPW Africa’s members in BPW International.

III - Who are the participants?

• BPW women from Africa, Europe, Asia and America.
• Business and Professional women
• Young girls or students interested in business or in economic or commercials fields
• Women willing to do business or interested by the theme of the Congress.

IV - Methodology and sequence of the congress

It will be interactive and participative. Papers will be delivered followed by debates, workshops will be organized with a view to deepening the ideas and set out strategies and actions.

An educational group will be set up to explore ways of attaining the MDG 3 of the United Nations regarding education of women and the girl child.

Presidents of members of national, regional and international associations will also meet on during the Congress to appraise the work done so far by the association at the continent level and set out the perspectives compared to the great issues most importantly political and economic.

V - The Advantages of coming to the African Congress

• Experience sharing between business women and on BPW and its new vision
• Experience sharing between members of the Network of African and Spanish Women’s for a better world
• Business Opportunities
• Tourism sites of the new capital
• Presence of sub regional institutions and regional partners