Introducing the SWA 2026 Inaugural Forum

For its fifth edition, Somali Women Awards is introducing the SWA 2026 Inaugural Forum, a planned regional dialogue focused on women’s leadership, achievement and future opportunities. The forum forms part of the wider 2026 theme, “Beyond Borders: Somali Women Shaping the Future.” It is envisioned as a space where Somali and regional women leaders, institutional representatives and invited partners can exchange ideas and perspectives in a focused setting. The proposed format brings together a short opening keynote, a moderated leadership discussion, audience questions and an opportunity for networking. The aim is to encourage substantive conversation while keeping the program concise and accessible to senior participants. Planned for the same day as the awards ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the forum and the evening celebration will offer complementary experiences. The forum will focus on dialogue and connection; the ceremony will recognize the achievements of women across the award categories. The forum is a new addition to an established awards initiative—not the first edition of Somali Women Awards. Speaker invitations, participation and the final venue and schedule remain subject to confirmation. Official updates will be published as the program is finalized.