Historic First AWF Women’s Conference Unites Sisters from Around the World to Advance the Great Commission

The first AWF Women’s Global Conference saw 304 women from all AWF regions gathered in Cote d’Ivoire for worship, training, testimonies, and mission-focused empowerment. Read how this historic event strengthened global unity and mobilized women to fulfill the Great Commission.

Women from all five AWF regions met for the first time in person for a historic global women’s conference October 7-8, 2025, in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire. This milestone event brought together 304 delegates from Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, and Europe & the Middle East, uniting young and older women, pastors’ wives, missionaries, leaders, and professionals under one shared mission: “Women Going Together to Fulfill God’s Great Commission.”

Hosted in partnership with the women leaders of Cote d’Ivoire, the Africa Region, and the AWF Women’s Ministries Team, this long-awaited gathering marked a turning point for the movement. After three years of online global women’s gatherings, friendships had already been formed over Zoom, and meeting face-to-face filled the atmosphere with celebration, joy, and a deep sense of unity.

A Conference Centered on Missions

The conference theme aligned fully with the AWF’s global commitment to “Finish the Task.” Sessions, workshops, and worship moments emphasized evangelism, discipleship, prayer, and leadership development grounded in Matthew 28:18-20.

One of the most impactful moments was the Prayer Journey, in which women walked through parts of Yamoussoukro, praying for the lost, for unreached peoples, and for every sector of society. Many participants testified that this opened their eyes to intercede more intentionally for their communities.

Workshops addressed leadership, pastoral care, evangelism, and marketplace ministry, empowering women to recognize their God-given callings. Young leaders, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and professionals shared stories that inspired boldness, faith, and action.

“I was touched by the teaching on leadership. God can use an insignificant person to confound the wise,” said Suzanne Kini of Burkina Faso.

During the Professionals and Career workshop, one sister emphasized that “the workplace is our mission field.”

Isabel Freire de Muthre of Ecuador shared how God moved her from learning to action during the conference. “I was blessed to participate in the Quadrennial, especially in the first worldwide women’s conference,” she said. “Eunice Lumawag’s workshop deeply impacted me. It was practical, challenging, and stirred a burden for the lost. She encouraged us to write the names of two or three people who do not know God, pray for them, and ask ourselves, ‘What will you do to speak to this person about God’s love?’”

“This pushed me to act immediately,” Isabel continued. “I invited one of those people to dinner, and when we returned from Africa, we met, shared a meal, and shared God’s Word. Today, that person is attending church with us. My desire is to continue encouraging women in my country and throughout Latin America to keep fulfilling the Great Commission,” Isabel said.

Isabel’s story reflects exactly what the conference hoped to accomplish: equipping women taking the gospel to their personal circles of influence.

A Celebration of Culture and Worship

Worship in multiple languages filled the gathering with beauty and freedom. Music, dance, and testimonies from each region reminded participants of the global nature of the church.

“The African brothers and sisters worship with such passion and freedom,” said Filipinas Barrieses of the Philippines. “Their dancing, singing, and heartfelt praises reminded me that worship has no boundaries. It is the language of the heart.”

The hospitality of the women of Cote d’Ivoire deeply marked the delegates.

“They were so welcoming, hospitable, and generous. It was a blessing to connect with women from across Africa—our sisters in Christ,” said Monika Breault of Canada.

Strengthening the Global Network

Throughout the event, women identified ministry areas where they felt called to serve—Leadership, Prayer & Missions, Professionals and Career, and Pastors’ Wives. Many formed prayer partnerships, exchanged contact information, and committed to continued support.

Looking ahead, regional women’s teams will integrate prayer journeys and intentional evangelism into their 2026 programs. The AWF Women’s Ministries Team plans to visit regional gatherings to continue strengthening and equipping women for mission.

Moving Forward Together

At its core, this historic conference affirmed that every woman has a vital role in God’s mission.

One illustration shared during the closing sessions captured this beautifully: “Imagine a large, framed jigsaw puzzle of flowers from around the world. Each piece is unique. Without even one piece, the picture is incomplete. That is how God designed us as women—each one essential to his mission.”

The first AWF Women’s Global Conference has begun a deeper global movement of women who are committed to pray, disciple, lead, and proclaim Christ until the task is finished.