YAWC collaborates with Hawkhurst & Dua Associates to bring together women leaders across Africa

Corporate law firm Hawkhurst and Dua Associates has entered into a partnership with the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network in support of the organisation’s 2026 Annual Global Convocation, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the network.

The convocation is expected to bring together young African women, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders from across the continent and the diaspora to discuss leadership, economic participation, innovation, and inclusive development.

According to the organisers, the partnership reflects a shared interest in promoting opportunities for young women and strengthening platforms that support leadership development and professional growth across Africa.

Managing Partner of Hawkhurst and Dua Associates, Maataa Opare, said the collaboration aligns with efforts to support initiatives that encourage the participation of young women in leadership and decision-making.

“The progress of Africa depends on creating opportunities for young women to contribute meaningfully to national and continental development. Supporting platforms that encourage leadership, innovation, and collaboration is therefore important,” she said.

Established in 2016, the YAWC Network operates across several countries and focuses on connecting and empowering young African women through leadership development, mentorship, networking, and advocacy initiatives.

The 2026 Annual Global Convocation is expected to feature policy discussions, leadership engagements, networking sessions, and programmes aimed at addressing issues affecting women and youth development in Africa.

Observers note that partnerships between private-sector institutions and organisations focused on women’s empowerment continue to play a role in advancing broader national and continental development objectives, particularly in areas such as entrepreneurship, employment, education, and leadership participation.

The event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on a decade of the network’s activities while exploring strategies to expand opportunities for young women in the years ahead.