Amplifying Women’s Voices. Advancing Leadership. Inspiring Action.
World Speech Day Women (WSD Women) is the women’s empowerment pillar of World Speech Day, dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for women and girls to share their knowledge, influence change and shape a better future.
Rooted in the belief that every voice has the power to make a difference, WSD Women provides platforms for women to share their experiences, ideas, expertise and aspirations through speeches, conversations, podcasts, digital campaigns and collaborative learning initiatives.
We believe that when women’s voices are heard, their experiences valued and their knowledge shared, they can inspire others, challenge barriers and contribute to meaningful social and economic change. Our work brings together individuals, leaders and organizations committed to advancing gender equality through advocacy, leadership, knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
World Speech Day Women is one of 1000 organizations across the globe whose bold financial, policy and program commitments culminated in the announcement of an unprecedented $40 Billion in commitments at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris. Commitment-making organizations are from every sector of society – government, civil society, youth-led organizations, private sector, international organizations, and others. As a Commitment Maker focusing on the theme of Feminist Movements and Leadership, WSD Women’s vision and activities align with that of UN Women to help advance Gender Equality by 2030.
How WSD Women Started?
WSD Women’s journey gained momentum in 2020, as the world responded to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, women from different parts of the world were invited to share their wisdom, experiences, insights and expertise to encourage and support others through an unprecedented time of change.
This work gave rise to the World Speech Day Women #GenerationEquality Podcast Series, creating a platform for women’s voices and experiences to reach wider audiences. In 2021, the initiative expanded through a further podcast series, including the BRIM series developed in collaboration with the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry Singapore. The series explored sustainability in business, business relationships, image and branding, and mental attitude.
Over time, WSD Women’s work has encompassed leadership conversations, digital literacy, gender-based violence awareness, women’s economic empowerment, skills development and partnerships that bring different perspectives and expertise into the gender equality conversation.
These initiatives reflect a continuing belief: women’s stories and ideas should not simply be heard; they should help inform, inspire and shape action.
Our Areas of Focus
Women’s Voices and Advocacy
Creating opportunities for women to share their perspectives, raise awareness of issues affecting women and girls, and contribute to conversations that advance gender equality.
Feminist Movements and Leadership
Encouraging collaboration, leadership development and collective action that strengthen women’s participation and influence in society.
Intergenerational Learning and Mentorship
Connecting experienced women leaders with emerging leaders to share knowledge, encourage confidence and support the development of future generations.
Digital Empowerment and Skills Development
Promoting access to knowledge, resources and learning opportunities that strengthen women’s capabilities and participation in an increasingly digital world.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Amplifying the experiences and expertise of women in business and the workforce, while encouraging collaboration and opportunities that advance women’s economic participation.
Partnerships and Collective Action
Working with organisations, practitioners and networks whose expertise and initiatives contribute to shared gender equality and women’s empowerment objectives.
Our Initiatives
Generation Equality Podcasts
Conversations featuring women’s experiences, expertise and perspectives on gender equality, leadership and empowerment.
Boss Lady Chronicles
A podcast series developed in collaboration with the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry South Africa, highlighting women and organizations working to bridge the gender divide in business.
Tech2EndGBV Digital Literacy Campaign
A collaborative initiative with Phambano Technology Development Centre that used digital literacy resources and public awareness to support efforts to address gender-based violence.
International Women’s Day Conversations
Virtual engagements bringing together women and men to share experiences, initiatives and solutions related to gender equality, digital innovation and women’s empowerment.
The Virtual Women’s Forum: Connecting Generations Through Shared Wisdom
The Virtual Women’s Forum represents an important chapter in the evolution of WSD Women’s work to amplify women’s voices, advance leadership and promote gender equality.
Established in partnership with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Women’s Caucus, the Forum provides a platform for women leaders and emerging generations to exchange experiences, share knowledge and explore opportunities to advance women’s leadership and empowerment.
Through intergenerational dialogue, the Forum recognises the value of connecting the experiences of established women leaders with the aspirations and perspectives of young women. It seeks to preserve valuable leadership insights while encouraging meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing women and girls.
An important outcome of this initiative was Where Wisdom Meets Aspiration, launched in Arusha, Tanzania at the 2nd Intergenerational Dialogue in June 2026. The publication captures the experiences, reflections and insights of women leaders, creating a resource to inspire future generations and encourage continued learning.
Building on this foundation, WSD Women seeks to explore further opportunities for mentorship, skills development and practical leadership development, translating shared wisdom into meaningful opportunities for young women.
YouTube Playlist: https://youtu.be/20jUU2ezc1I?si=JhyECi7q3WvmPT9x
Watch and explore: Visit the WSD Women YouTube channel
Where Wisdom Meets Aspiration
The Virtual Women’s Forum created a historic space where women leaders from diverse disciplines shared lived experiences, leadership lessons, and strategies for navigating emerging challenges. It became a dynamic hub of intergenerational inspiration where wisdom met aspiration, and where women’s voices shaped a shared vision for inclusive leadership. This vision was captured and amplified through Where Wisdom Meets Aspiration, a compilation of 35 women’s leadership narratives. The book documents the stories, challenges, insights, and triumphs of women who are shaping their communities and industries.
Together, these initiatives reflect different expressions of the same commitment: amplifying voices, sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration and supporting action towards gender equality.
From amplifying voices to sharing wisdom. From inspiration to leadership in action.
From Wisdom to Leadership in Action
The next phase of the Virtual Women’s Forum will explore practical ways to support young women in developing the confidence, communication skills and leadership capabilities needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities, professions and economies.
Through potential collaborations with experienced women leaders, specialist facilitators, coaches and professional development organisations, the initiative aims to connect young women with relevant expertise and opportunities for growth.
A proposed pilot at the Tengeru Institute in Arusha, Tanzania, subject to consultation and agreement with the Institute, will explore a virtual learning model combining expert-led sessions, practical exercises, experience-sharing and mentorship.
The programme is envisaged as a series of interactive sessions covering four key areas:
- Confidence and Personal Leadership: Building self-awareness, recognising strengths and developing confidence.
- Communication and Public Speaking: Learning to communicate ideas clearly, present with confidence and speak with impact.
- Interpersonal and Leadership Skills: Developing emotional intelligence, active listening, negotiation and collaboration.
- Leadership in Action: Applying learning through practical exercises, personal development planning, peer engagement and mentorship.
The pilot will help inform an approach that may subsequently be adapted for other institutions and communities.
This next phase reflects WSD Women’s continuing commitment to ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard, but that their experiences and knowledge can inform, inspire and equip future generations.
Join the Conversation
Progress towards gender equality requires the participation and collaboration of individuals, organisations and communities.
WSD Women welcomes opportunities to collaborate with women leaders, young people, educators, practitioners and organisations that share a commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.
Whether through sharing expertise, contributing to conversations, supporting skills development or collaborating on initiatives, there are many ways to help amplify women’s voices and extend the impact of shared knowledge.
Together, we can ensure that women’s voices are heard, their wisdom is shared and their leadership helps shape the future.
Explore Our Digital Archive
The WSD Women YouTube channel brings together conversations, interviews and other digital resources from our work.
Explore the stories, perspectives and experiences of women and men contributing to gender equality, leadership, digital empowerment and women’s economic participation.
Revisit the lessons, discover new perspectives and share the ideas that resonate with you.
Other World Speech Day Women Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/worldspeechdaywomen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldspeechdaywomen/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf5SoNiT9wxPB4PhPTMmA5xqntQVNLcho
Got a question about World Speech Day Women?
Want to learn more? Click here to check out our YouTube Channel.
Hear what our speakers have to share
World Speech Day Women is the Women’s Empowerment pillar of World Speech Day; and operates under the custodianship of
Women LEAD SA (Pty) Ltd
Company Registration Number: 2015/282089/07
Contact:
Vino Pillay
Global Lead: World Speech Day Women
vino@womenlead.africa
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