The second edition of EmpowerHer: From Resilience to Renaissance successfully brought together over 150 participants, more than 20 speakers, and voices from at least 10 countries for a two-day gathering dedicated to celebrating and empowering women from diaspora communities in Vienna.
Held on 27–28 February 2026, the event took place at the Palais Wenkheim of Webster University Vienna on Day 1 and Filmquartier Wien on Day 2. Organized by the African Cultural Foundation, SETI, and Diaspora Creatives, EmpowerHer continues to grow as a platform where diaspora women’s achievements, leadership, and voices are amplified.
EmpowerHer was created in response to the need for spaces that highlight the contributions of African and diaspora women while fostering dialogue, collaboration, and community support. Positioned at the intersection of cultures and experiences, diaspora women continue to play a significant role in shaping Vienna’s social, cultural, and entrepreneurial landscape.
Through inspiring conversations, performances, workshops, and networking moments, EmpowerHer 2026 explored how resilience can transform into leadership, creativity, and innovation.
Moderated by Hawa Kebe, Founder of SETI, the opening day of EmpowerHer 2026: From Resilience to Renaissance began at the Palais Wenkheim of Webster University Vienna. with welcome remarks from Dr. Samuel R. Schubert, Dean of Webster University Vienna, and Audrey Kodjo-Hessouh, Founder of Diaspora Creatives, who invited participants to embrace the event as a space for inspiration, sorority, and collective growth.
The keynote segment featured reflections from Rana Ghoneim, Director at UNIDO, who encouraged women to lead authentically and challenge traditional leadership molds; Virpi Stucki, Chief at UNIDO, who highlighted cross-cultural connections and resilient stories between Finland and Burkina Faso; Marianne Schulz, Independent Legal consultant and human rights expert, who addressed discrimination faced by Black communities in Europe and emphasized the power of collective voices; and Miriam Mona Mukalazi, Responsible of the Africa Policy Programme at VIDC, who spoke about mentorship and the importance of recognizing those who paved the way for future generations.
The Women Powerhouse Hour delivered inspiring messages from Margaret Akullo, Mentor; Lynette Penkner, Co-Founder of Stop The Desert and Regenerative Food & Farming Advocate; and Wemimo, Artist. The audience received inspirational thoughts on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Day 2 featured a diverse group of speakers from community leaders, entrepreneurs and international organizations. Among the notable contributors were M. Martin Fritz, Secretary General of UNESCO, Sebastian Schwarz, Rilwan Mogaji from The Diaspora Business Hub, Motunrayo Olaogun, Lisa Maria Stier, Miriam Imarhiagbe, who shared insights on leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving narratives of diaspora communities. Led by Bistra Kumbaroska and Cristina Forster participants also engaged in interactive atelier designed to challenge stereotypes and explore strategies for navigating societal narratives.
A marketplace of resource organisations and businesses in Vienna features brands such as DHB, Fab L’Style, Diaspora Creatives, larger.world, ALSO-Vienna, EFS and Sheakam.
Beyond discussions, EmpowerHer also emphasized the importance of well-being and self-development through a series of wellbeing workshops. These sessions included, breathing techniques for resilience, healing and empowerment through theatre, yoga and self-care as empowerment to support women’s emotional and personal development.
Artistic performances featuring Awoba, Alba Sanz de Lara and Elena Mota García, added a powerful cultural dimension to the event, with performers who used music and artistic expression to inspire reflection and connection. A networking cocktail on the first evening by Ochei Bar & Restaurant created space for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations across professional sectors and communities.
A highlight of the event was the EmpowerHer Awards, which recognize women whose work is driving positive change in their communities.
The awards honored outstanding women across categories including:
- Creative Innovation Award, won by Terhas Berhe, Multidisciplinary Artist and Cultural Worker
- Community Impact Award, won by Esther Maria Kürmayr & Adaora Ofoedu from Schwarzefrauen Community
- Entrepreneurial Trailblazer Award, won by Monique Muhayimana, Founder of the African restaurant “Tamu Sana”
With more than 500 public votes, the awards reflected strong community engagement and recognition of women making meaningful contributions across sectors.
EmpowerHer continues to evolve as more than an annual gathering. The organizers are currently preparing the EmpowerHer 2026 Magazine, which will capture key moments, conversations, and insights from this year’s edition.
Future editions aim to further expand the platform’s reach and strengthen collaboration between diaspora communities, institutions, and leaders across Europe.
By creating spaces where women can share experiences, build networks, and amplify their voices, EmpowerHer contributes to a broader movement toward greater representation, inclusion, and leadership for women in Vienna and beyond.
EmpowerHer Team
African Cultural Foundation | SETI | Diaspora CreativesWebsite: www.empowerherplatform.com
Instagram: @empowerher_platform
