The Graduate Women International (GWI) 35th Triennial General Assembly and Conference will take place from 11–13 September 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. This milestone event will convene GWI members and advocates from around the world to engage in critical dialogue on the future of education, women’s empowerment, and sustainability.
The priority theme is: Building the Future: Integrating Culture, Education, and Empowerment for Sustainability. With a focus on strengthening education systems through the lens of integrated cultural education relevance, the public conference will explore key global issues through five interrelated sub-themes:
-
Education and empowerment for women in diverse contexts: Pathways to a sustainable future.
-
What is a future context in which education, culture, gender, and the economy will operate?
-
Gender-based cultural issues and barriers in education in relation to gender equity.
-
How relationships, including intergenerational and community connections, enable growth and sustainability.
-
Technology, AI, and Innovation: Relevance to Empowering Women for the Future.
These discussions will contribute to shaping GWI policies, strategies, and collaborations for the 2026–2028 Triannial, reinforcing GWI’s international commitment to equitable access to quality education for women and girls of all ages and demographics.
The registration fee for both the General Assembly and Conference is 350 Swiss francs. This fee provides access to all sessions, keynote addresses, related conference materials, workshops, seminars, networking breaks, and more. Early bird registration is open until 31 August 2025. After the early bird period, the regular registration fee will be 450 Swiss francs. Other registration categories are also available, including options for young members, guests, and attendance at the Zambian-themed Welcome Reception.
The conference will feature a distinguished roster of speakers, including international education leaders, policymakers, gender equity specialists, innovators in technology and AI, and grassroots advocates. These experts will bring diverse perspectives to the programme, offering participants practical insights and research-based strategies for advancing education, empowerment, and sustainability across global contexts.
In addition to the rich conference programme, participants will have the opportunity to experience Zambia’s cultural and natural heritage through a series of specially organized tours. These tours will offer unique insights into the country’s diverse traditions, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes, enriching the overall conference experience. Pre-Conference and Post-Conference tours to be organized are (additional details and registratoin for tours will be published shortly).
Local tours planned by the Zambian Assocation of University Women (see the Local Tour page for additional information.)
Exclusive 1-3 Day Tours:
1. Boat Cruise on the Lower Zambezi River
2. Visit Victoria Falls (Mosi-o-Tunya): one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located in Livingstone (489 km by road from Lusaka)
3. Kafue National Park: Zambia’s largest national park, renowned for diverse wildlife and safari experiences.
4. Luangwa National Park: Famous for walking safaris and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Day Trips/Activities (within Lusaka):
1. Kalimba Reptile Farm: Explore crocodiles and snakes.
2. Chaminuka Game Reserve: Possible wildlife encounters, just walks, and wine tastings.
3. Kabwata Cultural Village: Discover traditional Zambian crafts and cultural artifacts.
4. Lusaka Museum: Learn about Zambia’s history and heritage.
5. Matebeto Party: Experience authentic Zambian cuisine tasting during welcome to Zambia party for international delegates; a day before GA
6. Guided shopping trips to major malls: (e.g., East Park Mall, Arcades).
7. A tour to rural Girls School in the outskirts of Lusaka.
Further details regarding the programme, speakers, and tours, will be announced shortly. GWI encourages all members, partners, and interested stakeholders to mark their calendars and prepare to contribute to this significant event dedicated to advancing global education and gender equality.