2. The various affiliates of BPW in Africa interpret BPW initiatives differently to
reflect the areas of priority needs of their diverse peoples. Emphasis has been
on WEPs because of its particular relevance to the African experience. EPD has
little relevance to Africa. CBW and Women Entrepreneurs and Trade is slow
going because majority of women-owned businesses remain largely at the
informal sector level.
We will examine some specific examples from the five subregions:
 Burkina Faso
BPW Ougadougou is working well on WEPs 3 with focus on treatment and
rehabilitation of victims of vesico vaginal fistula (VVF ) . This debilitating
medical condition is one of the worst examples of violence against women
as it is one the consequences of forced early child marriage.
 Benin
The 3 clubs in Benin are working with rural women and artisans; building
their capacity with the ultimate aim of assisting them to move their
businesses into the formal sector (related to WEPs 4 and 5). Presently, 90
percent if not more of African women run their businesses at the informal
sector level.

3. Nigeria
BPW Nigeria’s area of emphasis is WEPs 3, specifically breast and
cervical cancer screening. Over 1000 women have been screened
between February 2012 and now with problem cases referred for
further investigation and these are being closely followed up.
It is also doing well on WEPs 4 building the skills of the women
farmers in a poor community close to Abuja, so that they might
have alternate income generating activities during out of farming
seasons.

4. Sudan
BPW Bahry focuses on WEPs 3 and 4 offfering vocational training to
promote small and medium business ownership specially young
university graduates and young BPW as well as health awareness
campaigns in rural areas .

5. South Africa
BPW Johannesburg, South Africa is leading in its response to
WEPs initiative. 99 CEOs in South Africa have signed the
Statement of Support for the WEPs to date!
REGIONAL CONGRESS
 Preparations are in top gear a successful hosting of the regional congress in
South Africa.
 The date of the Congress has been is July 18-20.
 The venue of the conference is Thaba Ya Batswana meaning “Mountain of
the Tswana People”. Surrounded by the Southern Johannesburg metropolis,
this hotel captures the spirit of Africa. (See promotional video of the venue).