Today is childrens’ day in Nigeria. I do wish every Nigerian child a happy childrens’ day. I am however deeply saddened by the fact that 20 million Nigerian children of school age are out of school.
This painful fact must be addressed by the government and other education stakeholders, while organizations like AWLO will continue to come up with initiatives that will compliment the government’s efforts.
Initiatives like our “One Mother One Child” education project allows each member of AWLO and our development partners to take at least one child from the street to educate to the university level.
We encourage all AWLO chapters around the world to relaunch and activate this project within your regions and country.
Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai, DFAI, CMP Founder/Global President of AWLO.
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 :
The African Women In Leadership Organisation (AWLO) is delighted to announce the forthcoming African Women In Leadership Conference (AWLC), slated to occur from May 16th to 18th, 2024, in Accra, Ghana.
Under the theme “Investing in Women; Bridging the Representation Gap,” this conference represents a significant step forward in enhancing women’s leadership throughout Africa.
The conference aims to establish a platform for advocating women’s leadership and nurturing influential networks among top-tier leaders. AWLC 2024 will also devise a policy framework to enact crucial discussions and elevate the status of women through transformative connections and opportunities.
Featuring dynamic sessions such as Advocacy Dialogue, Intergenerational Dialogue, HeforShe Fireside Chat, Policy Dialogue, Speed Mentoring, Exclusive Closed-Door Session with distinguished leaders, Exhibition, and City Tour.
Distinguished speakers at the conference include Her Royal Highness Princess Dr Moradeun Ogulana, Dr Angela Harris, Anna Yerimah Endouh, Hon Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Dr. Pauline Zitolina, Nannette Atuahene, Ms. Monique Douglas, Maipelo Boitumelo Mophuting, Her Regal Majesty Amb. Dr. Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Montez Alford, Jahzara Agyemang, Ms. Yvonne Ebbi, Mwangaza Jafari, Ken Eneduwa, Ms. Tanya Jones, Dr Safiya Stephanie Musa, Makafui Aikins, Bunmi Sukanmi, Hardi Yakubu, Kelly Daniels, Sika Twum, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar and the Chairperson, Her Excellency Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, first female Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
The conference will convene Women in leadership, including elective and appointive office holders, High-level leaders across public institutions, Political leaders, Business leaders, Women professionals and male allies, Third Sector organizations (Academia), religious organizations, youth organization representatives, and the media.
For registration and further details, please visit www.awlo.africa.
Join AWLO in shaping the trajectory of women’s leadership in Africa and narrowing the representation divide.
AWLO stands as a pioneering organization committed to empowering women and advancing gender equality across Africa. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and networking endeavors, AWLO continues to motivate and assist women leaders in fostering positive transformation.
It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome you all to the inauguration of the Canada Chapter of the African Women In Leadership Organization (AWLO). Today marks a significant milestone as we expand our mission and vision to empower women across borders and continents.
The Canada Chapter of AWLO represents a new chapter of opportunity and collaboration. As we gather here today, we celebrate the diversity, strength, and potential of women in Canada and Africa. Our goal is to foster meaningful connections, provide resources and support, and create opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles across various sectors.
AWLO is not just an organization; it is a movement—a movement towards gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive leadership. Through our programs, initiatives, and partnerships, we aim to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and create a more equitable world for all.
As we embark on this journey together, I urge each one of you to embrace the values of AWLO—integrity, courage, resilience, and collaboration. Let us work hand in hand to uplift and empower women, to build bridges across continents, and to create a brighter future for generations to come.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our esteemed guests and partners for their support, and to all the women and allies who are part of this incredible movement. Together, we can and will make a difference.
Thank you, and let’s continue to inspire, empower, and lead with purpose.
Warm regards,
Dr. Elisha Attai Founder, African Women In Leadership Organization (AWLO)
Did you miss the AWLO ‘Fashion For a Cause’ at the HeForShe Summit ? It was a blend of style with purpose in support of Visible Proof, a phenomenal woman-owned brand.
This session of the event perfectly aligns with AWLO’s mission to uplift and promote women entrepreneurs.
