On June 20th, 2009, ARISE Africa Fashion Awards honored Cecilia as keynote speaker, giving her speech entitled "The Promise of Africa."
Cecilia connected the "Promise of Africa" to its amazing women, saying, "Africa has one limitless natural resource yet unrealized that has the power to dramatically change the course of the continent. That resource is women." For the full text of the speech, please visit www.ceciliaattiasfoundation.org under tab, speeches.
Earlier in the day, the Foundation made great advancements.
First, at "Breakfast with Cecilia Attias" hosted by Dr. Precious Moloi Motsepe, Executive Chairperson of Africa Fashion International, wife of mining mogul Patrice Motsepe, and philanthropist, 20 of South Africa's most prominent women from business, media, and non-profits came together to discuss the future of women in Africa.
Out of that breakfast came the birth of the Cecilia Attias Foundation for Women in Africa, and the African Women Task Force. Details to come shortly.
In the afternoon, Cecilia and her husband Richard Attias, visited the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. Zondwa Mandela accepted a donation on behalf of his grandfather to go towards the new Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital to be built in Johannesburg.
While in SA, Foundation staff also visited Ikageng Itireleng AIDS Ministry in Soweto led by the inspiring Mom Carol. A few pictures are posted below.
The Cecilia Attias Foundation is gearing up to forge new relationships in Africa, and make a tangible difference in the lives of women through women on the ground, keeping in mind the immortal words of Mandela himself, "It always seems impossible until it is done."
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