Influential women on the continent, including two former women presidents, are attending a retreat here to enhance women’s leadership across Africa.
By: Kruah Thompson
Margibi, Liberia, October 29, 2024- The African Women Development Network (AWDN) has launched its 6th Intergenerational Leadership retreat at Farmington Hotel in Margibi County to enhance women’s leadership across Africa.
The retreat, running from October 27 to 29, 2025, focuses on co-leadership and co-mentoring. It creates a platform for AWLN Pioneer Elders to share their experiences and expertise with emerging women leaders. The summit highlights the vital role women play in transforming the continent.
AWDN is a collaborative initiative of the African Union Commission and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women), supported by the Federal Government of Germany. This year’s summit theme is “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era: Paving the Way for a Sustainable and Equitable Society.”
The retreat has included plenary sessions, workshops, keynote speeches, and high-level panel discussions over the past three days. A key highlight will be the launch of the AWLN Mentorship Program pilot phase, unveiling its mentorship handbook, and the IRG outcome and call to action.
However, at the event’s launch, a separate dialogue session titled “Experience and Lessons Learned in Driving Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership” featured discussions on empowering young women to redefine political leadership and entrepreneurship in a global economy.
The gathering brought together Dignitaries, including former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, UN Women Country Representative Comfort Lamptey, Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia Karl Backeus, Ireland Ambassador to Liberia Gerard Considine, EU delegation to Liberia Ambassador Nona Deprez, UN Women resident coordinator Ms. Christian Umotoni, Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, AWLN Social Media Co-chair, Mrs. Ciata Stevens d’akmeida, Cote D’Ivoire AWLN chair Ms. Sefora Kodjo, and Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Gbeme Horace’s Kolli, and Culture Ambassador Kakura Balawala Kamara, among others.
As part of activities, a dialogue was held with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former President of the Pan African Parliament, and AWKN pioneer leader, Gertrude Mongella.
During the dialogue, both former Presidents shared their leadership experiences, encouraging emerging leaders to build the confidence necessary to effect change.
Also, in her keynote address on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Liberia where every woman and girl can pursue their dreams. She emphasized the government’s efforts to appoint more women to senior decision-making positions.
“This event calls on the government to uphold the Beijing legacy for action while encouraging young women to lead the continent toward a new era of inclusiveness and progress,” Horace stated. She underscored that the 1995 Beijing+30 declaration remains central to the government’s agenda to empower women politically, economically, and socially.
For her part, Comfort Lamptey praised the AWDN chapter’s initiatives in Liberia, stating that intergenerational conversations are crucial for nurturing future women leaders. Given the historical contributions of women like former President Sirleaf, she highlighted Liberia’s significance as a host.
Additionally, Liberia’s Justice Minister, Oswald Tweh, described the retreat as a unique opportunity to bridge generational gaps, fostering mutual respect and collaboration among participants. He urged attendees to engage openly and actively during discussions.
Furthermore, Ciata Stevens, the Social Media co-chair for the AWLN Liberia chapter, noted the significant evolution of women’s leadership in Liberia. She cited the 2023 elections, in which eight women were elected to the House of Representatives. However, she pointed out that only one woman was elected to the Senate, illustrating the ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity in leadership.
Meanwhile, most of the ambassadors at the event underscored the need for greater women’s participation in leadership roles.
They highlighted how women’s participation is proportionally low in Liberia, and as a result, most of them lack the confidence and ability to lead.
Hence, the retreat is designed to strengthen intergenerational leadership among women, encouraging a culture of mentorship and support. Editing by Jonathan Browne
