PREAMBLE: Women represent about half of the total working population, but way fewer than half of the leadership positions for proper representation. There is little attention given to how to properly invest in the education, business and leadership of women, even as we are clear that as we develop the human capital of African women, our economies thrive.
The gender disparities in governance and the barriers to entry are reflected in the low numbers of African women leaders represented in governments throughout the continent and beyond. Women’s issues are not fully addressed as African women leaders are not sufficiently represented at the table where big decisions are being made on their behalf.
Furthermore, many African women leaders are leading only in face, but not in voice, along the antiquated social norms of being seen and not heard. The biases that both men and women hold against women in leadership further complicate bridging the representation gap.
The African Women in Leadership Conference-AWLC 2024-was such a timely gathering to address a pivotal theme: “Investing in Women; Closing the Representation Gap.”
Our Chairperson, the first female Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor together with other highly reputable dignitaries and delegates from all over the world, made this year’s conference very unique and impactful.
The 2024 African Women in Leadership Conference had the following main objectives:
- Explore the impact of strategic investments in women’s education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Raise Awareness: Shed light on the existing gender disparities in governance and the importance of closing the representation gap.
- Share Insights: Provide a platform for thought leaders and experts to share insights on the benefits of gender-inclusive governance.
- Break Barriers in Leadership: Examine challenges hindering women’s representation in leadership roles.
- Propose actionable strategies to eliminate barriers and promote inclusivity.
- Develop and Promote Inclusive Policies and Advocacy: Deliberate on the role of policies in creating an inclusive environment.
After several panel discussions and thought-provoking presentations on the state of affairs of African women in leadership, the conference rose with the following recommendations as its resolutions:
- To create a safe space for African women in leadership, where they can voice the challenges they have and get support
- To challenge the biases that many African women have against other African women in leadership, changing the narrative, through a She-for-She campaign and advocacy
- To create programs that develop young African women leaders, for a constant funnel of leaders, who will hold the fort in all arenas of government and business, sustainably
- To forge an alliance with an African Women’s caucus, to amplify the voice of African women political leaders, to support these leaders to become better lawmakers and to address and solve the challenges they have as African women lawmakers
- To sit with policy makers to develop executable plans that ensure sufficient investment in educating and building the capacity of African women, for leadership; providing access to leadership opportunities for African women; shoring up equal representation of women, on all levels of government and in all Industries; and developing strucures of accountability, to confirm execution of these plans
- To develop programs and/or platforms where He-for-She advocates can mentor young men to become He-for-She advocates
- To facilitate conversations between African women political and business leaders, to enable them to build synergies
- To create an African Women Leadership research institute, for use in addressing challenges and lobbying for equal representation of African women in leadership
CONCLUSION: Investing in women has a profound impact on accelerating progress in our communities, nations and the continent of Africa.
When we invest in women, we invest in the future. We unlock potentials, drive innovations and create opportunities that benefit us all. It is not just about equality; it’s about amplifying voices, breaking barriers, and building a world where everyone can thrive.
In our pursuit of gender equality and inclusive leadership, this conference served as a platform to amplify the voices of women across Africa, celebrate their achievements, and chart a path towards a future where every woman has equal opportunities to lead and thrive.
The discussions, observations and recommendations of this conference will inspire us to drive positive change in our communities and beyond- through initiatives, programs, strategic partnerships and continuous dialogue.
Here are the speakers at the African Women in Leadership Conference 2024 in Accra , Ghana :
- Amb. Dr. Tanya Jones
- Sika Twum
- H.E. Lordina Mahama
- Amb. Dr. Frances Virginia Anderson
- Nana Yaar Serpong
- Anna Yerimah Endouh
- Oheneyere Gifty Anti
- Dr. Safiya Musa
- Montez Alford
- Monique Douglas
- Hon. Kafilat Ogbara
- Ken Eneduwa
- Kelly Daniels
- Makafui Aikins
- Mwangaza Jafari
- Abraham Attram
- Natalie Fort
- Etim Essang
- Nannette Atuahene
- Vivian Dougblor
- Dr. Linus Okorie
Photos
What an impactful conference. Such a joy to gain insight from so many Women of Worth. Now as we go back to our respective countries, we have much more knowledge that we can apply within our own communities to build up those around us and be vessels for change.
AWLO is a movement of fulfilment. In the recent AWLO Ghana 2024, we understoodmore that; investing in women is an investment in a brighter future for all. By providing women with equal opportunities, resources, and support, we can create a more prosperous, innovative, and equitable world.