SWA 2026 Inaugural Forum
Women Shaping East Africa's Future | High-Level Regional Leadership Forum
Forum facts
- One keynote · one panel
- 75-minute formal dialogue
- Approx. 40–60 invitation-only guests
A leadership dialogue with a regional purpose
Beyond Borders Regional Leadership Forum
Convened by Somali Women Awards, this invitation-only forum connects accomplished Somali women with East African institutions and decision-makers. It provides a serious platform to examine how women's expertise, professional achievement and leadership can contribute to shared regional development.
The morning experience
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The central question
How can Somali women's achievements and expertise help shape stronger institutions, greater economic opportunity and meaningful cooperation across East Africa?
Program at a glance
One keynote. One panel. A focused conversation.
- 09:30–10:00Arrival, registration and welcome hospitality
- 10:00–10:12Formal welcome and one short keynote address
- 10:12–10:57Distinguished-chair moderated leadership panel
- 10:57–11:09Three selected audience questions
- 11:09–11:15Chair's synthesis and closing
- 11:15–12:30Networking, introductions and approved media interviews
Proposed format. Approx. 40–60 invitation-only guests; 75-minute formal dialogue followed by networking. Program, timings and venue subject to confirmation.
Three strands of conversation
What the dialogue will examine
Leadership & Institutions
How women's skills and experience can strengthen governance, public service and professional leadership.
Economic Opportunity
Practical pathways for enterprise, research, innovation and access to regional networks.
Cross-Border Partnerships
Opportunities for collaboration among businesses, institutions and women-led organizations.
Practical Next Steps
Specific opportunities participants wish to pursue beyond the event, without presumed commitments.
Distinguished participation
Designed for the voices that shape the region
The dialogue will seek participation from diplomatic representatives, Tanzanian public leaders, UN and development agencies, women-led associations, universities, business institutions and accomplished Somali professionals across the diaspora.
Proposed distinguished chair
ProposedH.E. Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi
Ambassador of Somalia to China
H.E. Ambassador Hodan Osman Abdi, Somalia's Ambassador to China, will be invited to chair and moderate the discussion. Participation remains subject to formal invitation, availability and protocol.
Confirmed guests
Guest participation is announced here as invitations are formally confirmed. Speaker and institutional participation does not imply endorsement of commercial sponsors.
Dar es Salaam Dialogue Brief
A concise brief summarizing the principal themes.
Attributed video excerpts
Correctly attributed excerpts where approved.
Follow-up introductions
Only where participating organizations consent.
One day, two experiences
The forum takes place on the morning of the Somali Women Awards ceremony, followed by the evening celebration recognizing exceptional Somali women. The two experiences connect regional dialogue with evidence-based recognition.
Independence & protocol. Speaker and institutional participation does not imply endorsement of commercial sponsors. Sponsor support cannot purchase a speaking role or influence award selection. Recording, names and affiliations will be used with appropriate consent. Proposed date window: mid-November to early December 2026.
Institutional enquiries
Participation is by invitation
Diplomatic representatives, public leaders, development agencies, women-led associations, universities and business institutions may write to [email protected].