Two fabulous days! Organized by the African Cultural foundation, SETI and Diaspora Creatives, the first edition of Empower Her 2025 brought together more than 110 participants from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This event was a groundbreaking opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, build bridges and inspire change.
The audience was empowered through a variety of activities: inspirational talks, engaging panel discussions, first of its kind award ceremony, exhibition area, uplifting well-being workshops. Meaningful connections were established and this is only the beginning…
As a strong advocate of inspiration, I could not help but sharing with you the unique stories and insights from amazing women who graced us with their presence on 7th March (Day 1) at the premises of Webster University.
H.E. Mrs. Maimouna Ouattara, Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Austria
In her high-level keynote speech, Her Excellency Mrs. Maimouna Ouattara, Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Austria, recounted with a great sense humour her early days as little girl who learnt at a very young age how to fend for herself in the markets of her hometown and how she wittily challenged her parents to send her to school.
She emphasized the power of education, how education opened a world of new possibilities for her, step by step. It allowed her not only to tap into her full potential but it helped her pushing the limits every time a little further.
She stressed the value and impact of investing in oneself. Growth and development are a journey. It does not stop with formal education but is a lifelong process. She insisted that women consistently engage in continuous learning.
She encouraged the audience to build supportive networks and genuine sisterhood, spaces where likeminded women can come together and empowered each other. She also paid tribute to the valuable support of Mrs. Fatou Haidara, Guest of Honor to the event, who consistently accompanied her along the way.
Her Excellency also commended on the work of the Empower Her event as a powerful catalyst to bring together exceptional women and foster change collectively.
Ceri Samvilian, certified life coach on authenticity, speaker and author
She first shared how moving to a foreign country as young mother, with no relatives and friends, no knowledge of the language challenged her to the core. Years into parenthood and “doing business as usual”, she eventually lost touch with herself and felt a deep sense of unfulfillment.
One of the main keys that undoubtedly transformed her into the woman she is today, was stepping out of her comfort zone. In her search to overcome her disenchantment she approached a coach who pushed to her challenge herself in very funny and unconventional ways. A turning point was the public speaking challenge where she came to realize that she had a talent worth sharing with others. She vibrantly reminded the audience “do not accept labels people put on yourself and do not define yourself by your apparent shortcomings”.
Secondly, she encouraged the audience to embrace seeking help namely through coaching. She emphasized how it unlocked her potential in her own life to find her gifts and hone her skills to serve them to the world.
Finally, she exhorted women to keep pushing and persevering. She encouraged them to no fret to explore their inner world and roll up their sleeves. Engaging in becoming the best version of oneself is a lifetime commitment and implies constant improvement. The process is not only gratifying but the woman you are becoming absolutely worths it!
Harriet Hala, founder of Fab’l style a magazine on fashion, lifestyle and culture
Harriet shared how she took inspiration from her mother who did not shy away from breaking free from strain family challenges and starting a new life on her feet. It came at a cost, but it left a firm conviction in young she was that being bold and not afraid to start over again is priceless.
Along the way she met people who believed in her and supported her to pursue an education. Another key takeaway of her speech was her readiness to embrace challenges and turn them into growing opportunities. As a wife and passionate traveler, she welcomed every new country and place of residence as a chance to explore and live life fully. Unexpected or chosen changes can be extraordinary springboards provided we turn challenges into learning opportunities.
She finally shared a heartfelt testimony on overcoming the scars of life. She exhorted the audience to be intentional and benevolent to others: “Do not use people’s openness and vulnerabilities against themselves”. Challenges and shortcomings are part of the human experience but most importantly one should pursue authenticity.
Eva Burger, Lead of women empowerment at the Austrian Chamber of Labour
An advocate for social engagement, Eva Burger always asked herself how to bring about change and serve those who could not have voice of their own. Eva Burger warmly shared with the audience the three main drivers that inspires in her personal and professional journey her openness to opportunities, her love for books and her passion for impact.
She highlighted her openness to explore new opportunities and engage in uncharted waters as a guiding element in her career choices. For example, she did not hesitate to take on the challenge to enter the private sector in a large international consulting group after years of serving in the public service. Her motivation was to get insight into the design and implementation of strategies to promote better social inclusion.
A fond lover of books, Eva presented a book that left a strong mark on her “Handbook of women’s work in Austria” published in 1930. She also shared why the author Käthe Leichter truly inspired her as pioneer for the visibility and empowerment of women’s work in Austria. Later on, she discovered that Käthe Leichter was the visionary founder of the women’s department at the Austrian Chamber of Labour, despite attempts to deny her contribution and legacy in the aftermath of totalitarian regime and persecution.
Finally, her passion for impact is a key driver in her daily life. When the opportunity to work in the Austrian Chamber of Labour arise, she did not hesitate to step in. Women are still facing inequalities in the workforce (fair wage, work life balance, retirement allowance, etc.) being part of the institution that produces data, ensures that their voices are heard in economic and political spheres can make a difference.
All this to say that each and every one us felt inspired, encouraged or positively challenged. This is about embarking on a journey and boldly making the next move, flaws and all…
We once again extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made this event possible.
To be continued…
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