Manny Ita –
The Organization of Women in International Trade on Wednesday convened women leaders from across continents for a global webinar marking International Women’s Day 2026, with discussions centred on how women are reshaping global commerce through innovation and collaboration.
The virtual event, themed “Give to Gain: How Women Are Disrupting and Redefining Global Trade,” was held on March 25, 2026, at 12:00 noon EST (5:00 p.m. Nigerian time) and ran for 90 minutes via Zoom, drawing participation from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
President of OWIT International, Noreen Cesareo, led the session, highlighting the growing influence of women in international trade and the importance of cross-border partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth. She was quoted by organisers as emphasizing the need for stronger global networks among women to unlock emerging opportunities in trade.
The discussion was moderated by Blessing Irabor-Oza and Salome Kivindu, who guided conversations around opportunities and persistent challenges facing women in global markets.
Speakers at the event included Dr. Temitope Mayegun of Nigeria, Sandra Jiang of Uganda, Jennie Sammur from the United States, and Patricia Kenneth of the United Kingdom, each offering perspectives from their respective sectors on navigating and influencing global trade systems.
In a statement accompanying the event, organisers said the gathering brought together OWIT chapters from multiple regions “for a special IWD 2026 event,” adding that discussions focused on “Give to Gain” and the impact of women-led initiatives on global trade dynamics.
The webinar formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day, aimed at amplifying women’s contributions to economic development and fostering dialogue on expanding participation and equity in international trade.
