The third day of the Duchess International Women’s Day Conference 2025 took us beyond the lecture halls and into the heart of history. Our delegation visited the House of Slaves on Gorée Island, Senegal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most emotionally powerful memorials to the transatlantic slave trade.
Walking in the Footsteps of the Past
Gorée Island, a tranquil speck off the coast of Dakar, carries the weight of centuries. As we stepped into the House of Slaves, the past felt palpably close. The cramped holding cells, the rusted shackles, and most hauntingly, the Door of No Return—where enslaved Africans took their last steps before being forced onto ships—brought history into sharp, painful focus.
Our guide shared stories of the millions who passed through this island, their lives irrevocably changed. Standing in those same spaces, we were reminded not just of the brutality they endured, but of their extraordinary resilience and strength.
Why This Visit Matters
For a conference dedicated to women’s empowerment and global equality, this visit was more than educational—it was a call to action. The transatlantic slave trade was not just a historical atrocity; its legacies of racism, inequality, and systemic oppression persist today. As leaders and advocates, we must:
– Acknowledge the past and its ongoing impact.
– Amplify marginalized voices, particularly women of African descent, who still face intersecting injustices.
– Act with intention to dismantle systems of oppression in our own communities and industries.
Carrying the Lessons Forward
Leaving Gorée Island, our hearts were heavy, but our resolve was stronger. The Duchess IWD 2025 conference is not just about discussion—it’s about doing the work. Whether through policy, education, or grassroots activism, each of us has a role in building a fairer, more just world.
As we continue the conference, we carry the spirit of Gorée with us: a reminder that true empowerment requires confronting hard truths—and turning them into fuel for change.
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