Empowering Voices: International Women's Day 2026

Date: 8 March 2026 | Venue: Black Box Pasila, Helsinki

On 8 March 2026, the Africans and African Europeans Association (AFAES) celebrated International Women's Day under the theme "Give to Gain." The event brought together women and community members to share experiences, learn from one another, and build connections.

Hosted by Mercy Danladi and Yasmin Kaplan, the evening featured a panel discussion titled "The Unseen Woman: Moving from the Shadow to the Table," followed by group discussions on employment, discrimination, racism, loneliness, and empowering young women through education and mentorship.

A beautiful performance by the WFWP Choir added to the celebration, followed by a cultural dinner celebrating different foods and traditions.

AFAES sincerely thanks all speakers, partner organisations, participants, and volunteers, including the male volunteers who supported the event behind the scenes.

The celebration was a reminder that when we support and empower women, we strengthen our entire community. Together, we can create a future where every woman's voice is heard and valued.

AFRICA WEEK 18-25.05.2026

Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May. It started in 1963, when leaders from 32 African countries met in Addis Ababa and created the Organisation of African Unity.

The OAU was created to support independence movements and help African countries work together. At the time, many countries were still under colonial rule, and the organization played an important role in helping them gain independence and improve people's lives.

In 2002, the OAU became the African Union. The AU continues this work today by focusing on economic growth, human rights, and cooperation between African countries and the rest of the world.

Africa Day is a way to remember this history and celebrate unity, progress, and the shared future of African countries.

AFAES History of Organising African Day / Africa Week

The African and African-European Association in Finland (AFAES) began organising African Day celebrations approximately 14 years ago, creating a platform to promote African culture, unity, and awareness within Finland.

Over the years, this celebration has grown in both size and impact. In the past two years, AFAES has expanded the event into a more comprehensive and engaging Africa Week Celebration, allowing for a wider range of activities such as workshops, discussions, and community gatherings.

The Africa Week Celebration now consistently concludes with the internationally recognized Africa Day, maintaining its original purpose while strengthening its reach and significance.

This development reflects AFAES's ongoing commitment to promoting African heritage, fostering unity, and building stronger community connections in Finland.

Monday - Opening Ceremony 18.5

African Voices in Finland 2026 is the official opening event of Africa Week 2026 and an independent public dialogue forum. It brings together African communities, youth, parents, community leaders, city actors, public institutions, and civil society partners.

The forum creates a space where participation, being heard, and cooperation are not symbolic, but form the core of the event. Designed as a professional, accessible, and publicly open daytime event, it combines moderated discussions, audience engagement, lived experiences, and a written summary produced after the event.

African Voices is not just a panel discussion it is a platform for continued dialogue, new partnerships, and future development work

Tuesday - Wednesday Cooking classes 19.5

Learn the skills, feel the pride

Keep your culture right inside

One step, one meal, one choice, one voice

Your future starts with what you choose.

Wednesday - Women in Leadership 20.5

Opening Panel: "Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs in Finland"

Workshop: "Starting a Business in Finland - Practical Guide for Immigrants"

Panel: "Success Stories: African Businesses in Finland"

Speed Networking & Matchmaking Session

Thursday - 21.5

Anti-Racism Training Workshop: Building Inclusive Communities

A 4-hour interactive workshop for civil society actors, community leaders, and individuals facing discrimination. The session provides a safe space to understand different forms of racism, share experiences, reflect on biases, and gain practical tools to respond to discrimination while promoting inclusion and equality in communities.

Friday - African Business & Entrepreneurship Day 22.5

Saturday - African Cultural Fair 23.5

Panel: "Supporting African Youth in Finnish Education System"

Workshop: "Multicultural Parenting in Finland"

Youth Panel: "Building Bridges Between Cultures"

Interactive Session: "Celebrating Our Roots

Monday - Closing Gala 25.5

Africa Day Gala - A celebration of African culture featuring music, art, and networking opportunities. Featuring international guests. Invite only & Museum Access Pass for invited guests.

ENGAGING MIGRANT YOUTH IN BUILDING A GREENER FINLAND CAMP.

.This past four days of ALF Week has been nothing short of transformative, filled with impactful events and meaningful connections. From the vibrant Festival Celebrating Diversity in Finland to the dynamic ALF Members Networking Party and the insightful Feminism Education Workshop, each moment offered fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth. We closed the week on a powerful note with the Engaging Migrant Youth in Building a Greener Finland Camp, culminating in the inspiring Workshop for Leadership Sustainability Advocates. An extraordinary journey of learning, collaboration, and empowerment. Thank you!#ALF Week #Feminism #GenderEquality #CommunityEmpowerment #Diversity #Dialogue@annalindhfoundation @familia_ry @greenhabitoeu @dustur.ry @unitedvision.fi Mirsal ry

Day Three of ALF Week: Feminism Education Workshop!

Today, we were moved by the incredible stories and transformative experiences shared by ALF members, each offering fresh perspectives and invaluable insights. 

This workshop is all about:

 Empowering ALF member organizations with practical tools, knowledge, and strategies to tackle feminist issues in their communities. Deepening our collective understanding of feminism and its crucial role in driving gender equality. Together, we're amplifying our ability to advocate for and integrate feminist principles, creating lasting, meaningful change. 

Together, we're amplifying our ability to advocate for and integrate feminist principles, creating lasting, meaningful change.

#ALFWeek #Feminism#GenderEquality#CommunityEmpowerment #Diversity #Dialogue@annalindhfoundation @familia_ry @greenhabitoeu @dustur.ry @unitedvision.fi @Mirsal ry 

ALF Members Networking Party

Day Two of ALF Week was a resounding success! Inspiring members took the stage to celebrate Annalina's exceptional support and invaluable contributions. The day was filled with heartfelt connections, delightful snacks, and well-deserved recognition of the remarkable efforts by Annalina's members and our broader community.

FESTIVAL CELEBRATION DIVERSITY IN FINLAND

As proud members of the Anna Lindh Foundation, AFAES is honored to have contributed to this remarkable event, which fostered a deeper sense of belonging and mutual appreciation. This festival stands as a powerful testament to the beauty of diversity and the strength found in collective harmony  

ANNA LINDH FOUNDATION

Welcome to Annalindah Foundation Week!

Join us and take part in exciting activities on behalf of your organization or community.

Register and more information here:https://forms.gle/BYbxpJFYH9DoRYJYA

Questions? Contact us: +358 45 246 2270 

THANK YOU FINLAND 2024

Thank You Finland is a special gathering to celebrate and honor the amazing contributions of Finnish individuals, organizations, institutions, and companies to the well-being and integration of migrants in Finnish society. This event recognizes those who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, integration, and social justice. The event will include

Puhos loves People Festival 

Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

Location: Puotinharju Puhos Shopping Center Itäkeskus and Stoa. Puhos Loves People is a vibrant cultural festival designed for the whole family, celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. This event brings together diverse cultures through music, fashion, art, and culinary delights, encouraging an open-minded exploration of new perspectives.

Collaborations:

Moniheli Network Initiatives 2024: Partnering with the festival to promote inclusivity and multiculturalism.

Afaes ry: Offering workshops such as Hair Braiding, Afro-dance, and African Food, adding a rich African flavor to the festival.

Funky Amigos ry & Interkult ry: Enhancing the festival with production, programming music artists, marketing

Activities:

Workshops by Afaes ry:

Magical Hair Braiding: by Bintou Korhonen .

Afro-dance: By Archibong Eyo aka Prince of Bakassi get moving with energetic Afro-dance sessions.

African Food: Savor the flavors of African cuisine .

Family-Friendly: Enjoy a fun with activities suitable for all ages.

Africa Day Culture Event 16th May 2024

On behalf of the organizing team, we would like to express our profound gratitude to the ambassadors of the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia, Ambassador Ms. Nabiha Hajjaj, and the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bourouba. Your gracious presence at our Africa day Culture event on the 16th of May 2024 made a significant impact, and we are deeply appreciative of your dedication and service to humanity.   

Award Winner for Africa Day in Finland 2024 Joyce Kiprop

Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable achievements and contributions  

Award Winner for Africa Day in Finland  2024 Joseph Ombima 

Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable achievements and contributions 

Africa Day workshop by Mr. Abolore Sobayo

International Women's Day celebration 8.3.2024

What an extraordinary International Women's Day celebration it was! We were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of inspiring women from various walks of life, making the event truly colorful and enriching. The presentations were captivating, performances were mesmerizing, and the fashion showcased was simply stunning. Our taste buds were treated to delightful culinary creations from Africa and Turkey, adding a flavorful touch to the evernt.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners from the Together platform, YEPP ry, FFWPU-Finland, for their invaluable collaboration, which played a pivotal role in making this event a tremendous success. Their unwavering support and commitment exemplify the strength and solidarity of women coming together.

Reflecting on this unforgettable day fills us with a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. We are immensely thankful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the remarkable achievements of women worldwide.

Together, we will continue to uplift and empower each other, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Thank you once again for an exceptional collaboration.

Exploring the Impact of Racism on Mental Health and Paths Toward Healing

Seminar, Thursday 14 August 2025, 09:00–13:00, Pulttitie 16 A 32, Helsinki