Under the theme "Catalysing Culture & Innovation," the summit brings together leaders, professionals, and activists to discuss pressing issues in gender equality, human rights, and the transformative impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on society.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Motsepe Foundation, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to eradicating poverty and empowering women and youth across Africa.
"Our vision has always been to improve the livelihoods of people in our communities through education, access to healthcare, economic empowerment, and leadership representation," Moloi-Motsepe said.
The summit features a diverse group of speakers and attendees, including business leaders, women in sports, and professionals from various industries.
Among them is Puti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers SA, who, along with other women leaders, is sharing insights on overcoming biases in professional and personal spheres.
Moloi-Motsepe highlighted the importance of collective strategies in tackling gender disparities.
"We have gathered women from rural associations, business sectors, and international forums to share experiences and solutions. A key part of our work is supporting young women through initiatives like ‘Girls in STEM,’ which introduces them to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics before they even complete their schooling," she explained.
One of the summit’s key discussions focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on gender representation. Moloi-Motsepe warned that biases entrenched in AI models could further marginalize women if they are not actively involved in shaping these technologies.
"We need to ensure that African women’s voices are part of AI development. If we do not participate, we risk being completely excluded from the future digital economy," she cautioned.
The conversation also touched on the urgency of upskilling women in technology.
"AI is not something of the future; it is here now. We must equip our young people and working professionals with the necessary skills to engage with and leverage AI," Moloi-Motsepe said.
She referenced real-world applications, such as AI-driven data tracking in sports, illustrating how technology is already changing the way we monitor and optimise performance.
With International Women’s Day around the corner, the summit serves as a timely platform to reflect on the intersection of culture, innovation, and gender equality.
"We must take early intervention measures to ensure that African cultural perspectives and values are embedded in the technological advancements shaping our world," Moloi-Motsepe urged.
--ChannelAfrica--
