Women & Girls
The African Cultural Foundation champions the empowerment of women and girls through dedicated mentoring, community platforms, and leadership‑building initiatives that address systemic barriers and amplify voices of impact. At the heart of this work is the “Yes She Can” Mentoring Programme, a tailored initiative for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) women and girls in Austria that connects participants with professional mentors in politics, media, and technology, offering workshops, career guidance, networking, and personal support to strengthen confidence and expand opportunities in underrepresented sectors.
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Alongside mentoring, the Foundation launched EmpowerHer, a vibrant community platform and annual meet‑up that celebrates women’s achievements, fosters connection, and showcases women from the African and diaspora communities driving change across industries. Events under the EmpowerHer banner feature inspirational talks, panel discussions, and the EmpowerHer Awards — recognising outstanding contributions in creativity, social impact and leadership — while reinforcing sisterhood, collaboration and visibility for women in Austria.
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From kick‑off dialogues like “Ist künstliche Intelligenz rassistisch?” for Yes She Can participants to large‑scale EmpowerHer meet‑ups, the Foundation’s women‑centred programming creates safe, empowering spaces where women and girls can grow, connect, and realise their potential as leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.
"Yes She Can"
Mentoring for Black women and girls is critically important due to the systemic barriers and limited opportunities they face in the job market. Black women and girls often encounter discrimination, bias, and underrepresentation in many industries, which can significantly hinder their career progression.
Mentoring provides them with guidance, support, and role models who understand their unique challenges and can offer valuable insights and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. It helps build their confidence, skills, and professional networks, making it easier for them to navigate and succeed in environments where they might otherwise feel isolated or marginalized. By offering tailored support and creating a safe space for growth and development, mentoring empowers Black women and girls to reach their full potential and achieve their career aspirations, thereby contributing to a more equitable and inclusive job market.
EmpowerHer
Complementing this, EmpowerHer is a dynamic platform and event series that celebrates women’s voices and achievements, fosters networks of support, and recognises outstanding leadership through the EmpowerHer Awards.
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Through these initiatives — from reflective kick‑off dialogues to inspiring meet‑ups — the Foundation creates opportunities for women and girls to grow, lead, and shape positive impact in their communities.
You would like to collaborate with us or have a project idea?
At the African Cultural Foundation Vienna, cooperation is at the heart of our work. Over the years, we have collaborated with numerous organizations, institutions, and individuals on a wide range of topics. These partnerships have allowed us to create meaningful projects and long-lasting impact.
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