Fernandes Wins Prestigious GEF Award for Leadership in Women’s Empowerment

Bernice Fernandes, Tanzanian founder and CEO of Accelerate Business Group and Accelerate Women; delivered a compelling opening keynote address at the International Women’s Congress during the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) on November 24, 2024. Themed “Poverty Eradication—Beyond Boundaries,” the event emphasized solutions to tackle poverty and inequality. Fernandes, a GEF Board member, was chosen to deliver the opening address for her extraordinary contributions to empowering women across Africa and globally.

In her keynote, Fernandes emphasized that true societal transformation must begin with empowering the girl child. She highlighted the damaging effects of child marriage, describing how it robs young girls of their potential and perpetuates generational poverty. “When a girl is married off young, she becomes trapped in a life of limited choices,” Fernandes explained. “She grows up believing her only role is to bear children and manage a household, without ever realizing what else she is capable of.”

Fernandes stressed that girls can be so much more if given the time, skills, and attention they deserve. “Imagine what the world would look like if every girl had the chance to learn, innovate, and lead,” she said. She called for collective action to end child marriage and instead equip girls with education and skills that allow them to thrive.

Expanding on her address, Fernandes shared her personal story of transformation. A decade ago, a one-year mentorship program helped her redefine her purpose. At the time, she was juggling five jobs but chose to drop three and focus entirely on the program. “You need to be hungry for growth to become a leader. Present yourself as one and behave like one,” she urged, encouraging women to prioritize leadership skills and technical expertise.

Fernandes also called attention to the inequities women face in professional environments. She observed how men are often promoted based on potential, while women are judged solely on performance. “This disparity must change,” she said, encouraging women to take bold, decisive steps to challenge these biases. “Dare to be seen, take charge, and demand recognition for your contributions. The world will not notice you unless you make yourself undeniable.”

As part of her GEF contributions, Fernandes moderated the Women’s Power Panel on “Women Leading Change Through Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Networking.” The session offered practical strategies for building connections, fostering opportunities, and driving community-wide transformation.

Fernandes’s efforts at GEF were celebrated with a prestigious award recognizing her service to the Board and her tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment. Reflecting on her visit, she praised Nigeria’s vibrant culture and the festival’s inspiring atmosphere.

“Women are the leaders who can transform the world,” Fernandes declared. Her powerful words left the audience inspired to champion change, ensuring that women and girls everywhere have the opportunity to unlock their full potential.