— Fostering Women’s Leadership for Africa’s Future
The sixth 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has kicked off in Liberia. With a focus on strengthening women’s leadership in Africa’s ongoing transformation, the initiative aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Global Agenda 2030.
Since its inception in 2017, AWLN has committed to creating an inclusive network of diverse women, including youth, to foster leadership growth through mentorship and intergenerational collaboration.
The three-day gathering, which began on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Farmington Hotel, Margibi County, is a joint initiative by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations (UN). It is being held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era: Paving the Way for a Sustainable, Equitable, and Prosperous Future for All.”
This event is supported by the African Union”s special envoy for women, peace, and security, the United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment (UN Women), and the Federal government of Germany.
As part of its “Youth and Emerging Leaders” pillar, AWLN hosts an annual intergenerational retreat (IGR), each year hosted by a head of state. This IGR serves as a co-mentoring platform, bringing together women of different generations to share leadership experiences, expertise, and insights on promoting women’s roles in Africa’s transformation.
The retreat aims to bridge generational gaps by fostering dialogue, developing strategic networks, and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with Agenda 2063 and the Global Agenda 2030. Through co-leadership and mentorship, AWLN advocates for the full implementation of the Beijing+30 commitments and the Pact for the Future, launching a mentorship booklet and a roadmap to advance these objectives.
The retreat drew prominent figures from across the globe, including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice; H.E. Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie, Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection; Mrs. Ciata Stevens d’Almeida, Social Mobilization Co-chair for AWLN Liberia; and Madam Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative for Liberia.
Distinguished diplomatic representatives in attendance included Ambassadors Karl Backeus of Sweden, Gerard Considine of Ireland, Nona Deprez from the European Union Delegation, and Ms. Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia. Among other esteemed guests were Hon. Moima Briggs Mensah, Member of Liberia’s House of Representatives; Ms. Sefora Kodjo, Chair of AWLN Côte d’Ivoire; and H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Joseph N. Boakai, Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie, Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, underscored the importance of empowering the next generation of African women leaders under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era.”
Minister Kollie opened her remarks with a message of pride in Liberia’s hosting of the AWLN’s 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat, emphasizing its significance for Liberia and the continent as a whole:
“This event holds a profound significance not only for Liberia but for Africa as we unite under the theme, ‘Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era.’ This theme calls us to uphold the legacy of the Beijing Platform for Action, empowering young women to lead our continent into a new era of inclusiveness, equity, and shared progress.”
Minister Kolli highlighted the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a foundational commitment to global gender equality, which remains central to the AWLN’s mission today. She stated,
“In this Beijing+30 Era, our charge is to transform this legacy into tangible progress by creating environments where young women can flourish, lead, and make meaningful contributions.”
In reaffirming President Joseph N. Boakai’s commitment to inclusivity, Kollie noted his administration’s significant steps toward gender parity, particularly through appointing more women, including young women, to senior roles.
“The Government of Liberia has set a precedent in gender inclusiveness by appointing more women to senior positions in the administration. While we continue to seek even more representation, these steps forward are addressing the historical under-representation of women in leadership,” she affirmed.
The Minister urged participants to recognize that empowering young women in leadership is a cornerstone for societal progress: “When young women are equipped with mentorship and opportunities, they drive progress across all sectors. Neglecting this mission would exclude critical perspectives from decision-making and hinder our nations’ growth and progress.”
She expressed President Boakai’s strong support for AWLN’s initiative, emphasizing that empowering young women is essential for Africa’s advancement:
“To overcome barriers, intergenerational collaboration is essential. We cannot afford to let this mission lapse; empowering young women is not only a matter of fairness but a critical factor for development.”
Kollie further encouraged aspiring women leaders to embrace a resilient and service-oriented mindset: “I encourage our young women to adopt a ‘spirit-of-fight,’ ready to tackle challenges head-on. No obstacle is insurmountable, and you too can achieve the successes of those who came before you.”
She also commended trailblazing women leaders, particularly Liberia’s own Patron, Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for their pivotal roles in paving the way for future generations.
“Passing the torch to the next generation is not only necessary but serves as a catalyst for change. Their leadership, tenacity, and courage have brought us to this significant milestone.”
Quoting Sheryl Sandberg’s words from Lean In, Kollie reminded attendees: “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, and make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded.’”
She concluded by expressing her hope that the retreat will lay the groundwork for a future where young African women lead with purpose and integrity, fostering unity and resilience for a brighter tomorrow.
Madam Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative for Liberia, shared a goodwill message, expressing appreciation for Madam Binta Diop’s unwavering dedication, which has guided AWLN’s vision across Africa and brought it to this significant milestone.
She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting the AWLN Liberia National Chapter in its mission to strengthen and elevate women’s leadership in Liberia and across the continent. “We recognize that transformative leadership spans generations, and intergenerational dialogues are essential for nurturing young women leaders while sharing the wisdom and experiences of our trailblazers,” she stated. “These conversations not only honor our rich history but also shape the legacy we envision for future generations of African women.”
Madam Lamptey highlighted Liberia as an ideal setting for the retreat, given the inspiring legacy of AWLN Patron, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other distinguished women leaders. She commended the Liberia National Chapter for its dedication to intergenerational leadership and youth inclusion in governance, embodied by the newly established AWLN Liberia Youth Caucus, which underscores the vital role of young women leaders in shaping our shared future.
UN Women remains steadfast in its support of AWLN Liberia as it continues to promote youth leadership and mentorship. “We look forward to a productive retreat filled with inspiration, connection, and progress.”
She concluded by expressing her hopes for the retreat: “May this gathering be a time of meaningful learning, bold vision, and renewed strength as we continue advancing women’s leadership across Africa.”
