African women in Western Australia are continuing to develop professional and leadership capabilities through the fourth phase of the African Women’s Leadership, Empowerment and Development (A-LEAD) Program, with a recent session focusing on event management. Co-convened by Curtin University’s Centre for Australia-Africa Relations and the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia (OACWA), the 2026–27 program is providing participants with practical training and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening their professional and community leadership.
The second session, held in October 2026, explored event management and was facilitated by former OACWA President Joe Tuazama. The workshop brought practical leadership development into focus, examining an area of professional and community activity that requires organisation, communication, coordination and the ability to work with different stakeholders. These capabilities are relevant to women managing community initiatives, coordinating organisations, establishing businesses and pursuing leadership roles across different industries.
Attendees paused for a photo after the event
Event management also offers potential economic opportunities for African women, particularly in Australia’s growing events, hospitality, tourism and creative industries. Skills in planning and delivering events can support entrepreneurship, professional advancement and the development of community-based businesses. For African women already involved in cultural festivals, conferences, networking events and community organisations, strengthening these capabilities can help turn volunteer experience into recognised professional expertise.
A-LEAD was established in 2019 by OACWA and initially operated in partnership with the University of Western Australia. Its current partnership with Curtin University connects community leadership experience with academic knowledge and professional networks. According to OACWA, the program is designed to help African-Australian women build confidence, overcome barriers and become more active contributors to community, business and professional life. Economic empowerment is among the central objectives of the organisation’s Women’s Department.
The fourth phase follows the completion of three previous programs that have graduated more than 70 African-Australian women community leaders in Western Australia. The 2026–27 initiative includes workshops, panel discussions, open forums, mentoring, industry networking and a collaborative book project. The program is scheduled to conclude with a graduation gala on 13 March 2027, around International Women’s Day, providing participants with an opportunity to recognise their development and achievements.
The latest session also involved contributions and support from OACWA Executive President Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes (CPA), Racine Iradukunda, Joel Odota and Nothando C Ngwenya, alongside members of the OACWA and Curtin University teams. The organisers described the initiative as a source of “practical leadership training and networking skills for African women in Western Australia.” The partnership provides an opportunity to connect participants with people and institutions that can support their professional development beyond the training sessions.
As the fourth A-LEAD cohort progresses, the broader objective is to translate leadership training into greater participation in employment, entrepreneurship, business ownership and decision-making. For African women in Western Australia, access to professional networks and practical skills can help address barriers to career progression and leadership representation. The continued collaboration between OACWA and Curtin University demonstrates how community-university partnerships can support African women’s economic participation while developing a stronger generation of community, business and professional leaders.
