Her Excellency Samira Bawumia is a humanitarian and a global advocate focused on gender equality, climate resilience, and sustainable development. She served as the Second Lady of Ghana and is the founder of both the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) and the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC).

AFRIWOCC was established to promote inclusive dialogue and coordinated efforts around gender and climate justice. Since its inception, it has grown into an important platform for policy discussions, grassroots initiatives, and high-level engagement. Its first conference, held in August 2023, brought together over 2,000 participants across government, civil society, academia, and business. The outcomes have contributed to major initiatives, including the Climate Action Now campaigns at the Africa Climate Summit/Week and COP28 in Dubai, youth empowerment programs with UNDP, and the creation of the AFRIWOCC-UNDP Climate Youth Network as well as the Africa Students for Climate Action (ASCA).

In Ghana, H.E. Bawumia through her not-for-profit organization, Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) has led practical interventions in health, education, and women’s empowerment. Over 3,000 women have been trained in vocational and business skills to support economic independence. The Safe Delivery Project has supported nearly 9,000 expectant mothers in underserved areas with birth kits, helping to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The Library-In-A-Box initiative has reached over 8,000 pupils in 65 schools with more than 200,000 books. The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize has published the work of 59 emerging African writers.

Globally, Her Excellency has championed climate action and gender equity at key international platforms including various Conference of Parties (COP) and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Forums in Barbados and Rwanda. She has led conversations and delivered keynote addresses at Global Clean Cooking Forums since 2017 and has actively engaged with key stakeholders including the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). She continues to advocate for women’s health, energy and clean air serving as the Global Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance, a Champion for the WHO Health and Energy Platform for Action, and an Advocate for the Clean Air Fund. She is also a member of the Women in Leadership Network, chaired by former Irish President Mary Robinson. In recognition of her outstanding service and advocacy, H.E. Samira Bawumia was honored with the 7 for Seven Award, by the SEforALL.

Through these efforts, H.E. Samira Bawumia continues to promote, champion and highlight solutions that connect policy with real impact within communities, helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future across Africa.