UZA party leader Elisabeth Valerio delivered a powerful message at the 2025 Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) in Cape Town, urging African leaders, policymakers, and institutions to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, practical steps toward genuine women’s empowerment.
Addressing an audience of women leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the continent, Valerio emphasized that African women’s leadership is “not a slogan, but a proven path to sustainable growth and stronger communities.” She applauded the resilience and creativity of women who continue to drive innovation across diverse industries despite facing structural and cultural barriers.
Valerio outlined the urgent need to dismantle long-standing obstacles — including unequal access to finance, education, and leadership opportunities — that continue to hold back millions of women in Zimbabwe and across Africa. She shared insights from her work with the International Centre for Professional Development (ICPD), where her team focuses on empowering women through mentorship, practical training, and resource accessibility.
“Africa does not have 134 years to achieve equality,” she cautioned, referencing the Global Gender Gap Report. “Our continent’s future depends on how boldly we invest in women and girls — as architects of transformation.”
Valerio’s call resonated deeply with the conference’s theme of “Driving Innovation Through Inclusion.” She urged African governments and private sectors to adopt policies that go beyond symbolic representation, advocating for measurable action that ensures women’s meaningful participation in leadership, business, and technology.
Her address was met with widespread acclaim, reinforcing her growing influence as one of Zimbabwe’s foremost advocates for gender equity, inclusive development, and youth empowerment.
