A Tanzanian businesswoman Bernice Fernandes has been honoured with the prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) Award for her remarkable leadership in championing women’s empowerment.

The award ceremony took place recently in Nigeria, underscoring the growing recognition of women’s economic participation as a cornerstone of sustainable global development.

As part of her contributions to the festival, Fernandes who is the founder of Accelerate Business Group and Accelerate Women delivered the opening keynote at the International Women’s Congress, captivating attendees with a stirring call to eradicate poverty and achieve gender equality.

Themed “Poverty Eradication—Beyond Boundaries,” the congress focused on the pivotal role of women in addressing global poverty. Fernandes made a compelling case that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

In her keynote address, Fernandes underscored that true societal transformation begins with empowering the girl child. She spotlighted the devastating impact of child marriage, describing it as a practice that robs young girls of their potential and perpetuates generational poverty.

“When a girl is married off young, she becomes trapped in a life of limited choices,” Fernandes explained. “She grows up believing her only role is to bear children and manage a household, without ever realizing her true capabilities.”

Fernandes passionately argued that given the right opportunities, girls can achieve far more. “Imagine a world where every girl has the chance to learn, innovate, and lead,” she said, urging for collective action to end child marriage. She called for a shift in focus toward equipping girls with education and skills that empower them to thrive.

Sharing her personal journey, Fernandes spoke about a pivotal moment a decade ago when a one-year mentorship program redefined her purpose. At the time, she was juggling five jobs but made the bold decision to drop three and fully commit to the programme. “You need to be hungry for growth to become a leader. Present yourself as one and behave like one,” she advised, encouraging women to prioritize leadership development and technical expertise.

Fernandes also addressed workplace inequities, highlighting a stark disparity in how men and women are evaluated. “Men are often promoted based on potential, while women are judged solely on performance,” she observed. “This disparity must change.” She urged women to take bold steps to challenge biases: “Dare to be seen, take charge, and demand recognition for your contributions. The world will not notice you unless you make yourself undeniable.”

At the Global Empowerment Festival (GEF), Fernandes moderated the Women’s Power Panel on “Women Leading Change Through Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Networking.” The session provided actionable strategies for fostering connections, creating opportunities, and driving community-wide transformation.

Her contributions to the GEF were recognized with a prestigious award honoring her service to the Board and her unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment. Reflecting on her visit, Fernandes praised Nigeria’s vibrant culture and the festival’s inspiring atmosphere.

“Women are the leaders who can transform the world,” Fernandes declared, leaving the audience energized to champion change and ensure that women and girls everywhere have the chance to unlock their full potential.