-Liberia Hosts 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN)
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia is hosting the 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Young Women Leader Caucus, an event that accentuates the nation’s commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders across the continent.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, women from across Africa conglomerated along with other Liberian women for the opening of the (AWLN) 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, Liberia. The retreat 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,” and it is scheduled to climax today, Monday, October 28, 2024.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) is a joint initiative of the African Union Commission and the United Nations through the Office of the African Union Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), with the support of the Federal Republic of Germany.
It is driven by an objective to strengthen intergenerational leadership and dialogue to bridge the generational gap and develop networking strategies that enhance and advance women’s leadership. AWLN also seeks to promote women’s leadership. Gender equality and empowerment.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the opening of the retreat, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kolli highlighted the ongoing relevance of the Beijing Platform, stating, “Decades later, the aspirations of the Beijing Platform remain central to our mission, and therefore, we are obliged to maintain this vital momentum.” She called for a collective effort to create environments where young women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
She informed her audience that President Boakai’s administration has made significant strides in promoting gender inclusiveness, appointing more women, including young leaders, to senior government positions. “While we seek more appointments, this progress signifies a step forward in addressing the historical under-representation of women in leadership,” Minister Horace-Kolli noted, commending the mentors and organizers for their dedication to gender equality.
The Gender Minister emphasized that empowering young women is crucial for building resilient and productive societies. “If we fail to empower young women today, we risk losing half of our talents, vision, and potential for meaningful change,” she warned. “Neglecting this mission would prolong cycles of inequality and exclude critical perspectives from decision-making.”
In her address, Horace-Kolli encouraged aspiring young women leaders to embrace a “spirit of fight” and confront challenges with determination. She urged them to lead with integrity and a servant-hearted approach, avoiding self-serving tendencies in leadership. She went on to celebrate the achievements of women leaders who have paved the way for future generations, including Liberia’s former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, whose leadership has inspired many.
“Passing the torch to the next generation is not only necessary but also a catalyst for change,” Horace-Kolli remarked. Minister Horace-Kolli expressed hope that the retreat would lay the foundation for an Africa where young women lead with purpose and passion, fostering unity and resilience as the continent strives for a brighter future.
In a goodwill message, Madam Comfort Lamptey, UN Women-Liberia Country Representative, pointed out that Liberia is a fitting host for the retreat, citing the legacy of AWLN pioneer Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other influential women leaders. She noted that the Liberia National Chapter has made significant investments in fostering intergenerational leadership and youth inclusion in governance. According to her, the establishment of the newly formed youth caucus, AWLN-Liberia, exemplifies this commitment and underscores the critical role of young women leaders in shaping the continent’s future.
Her words: “Liberia is indeed a fitting choice for this retreat, because of the legacy of the AWLN patriot, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and other key women’s leaders but also because the Liberia National chapter has invested and is investing in fostering intergenerational leadership and youth inclusion in all areas of governance and indeed the newly establish youth caucus, AWLN-Liberia is a testament to this commitment as reflects the focus on critical roles of young women leaders in shaping the future.
She highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue and emphasized that transformative leadership transcends generations. “We all know that transformative leadership transits generations, and intergenerational conversations are essential for nurturing young women leaders and cheering insights of our trailblazers. So, there’s this conversation not only on our history but also shape the legacy we want for future generations of African women.”
Madam Lamptey pledged UN Women’s continued support to AWLN-Liberia in its efforts to promote youth leadership, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to empowering women and girls across the region.
Also, in her address, Madam Lamptey recognized Her Excellency Madam Binta Deo for her unwavering dedication and commitment, which has significantly propelled the vision of AWLN in Africa to this important milestone. “I would like to acknowledge Her Excellency Madam Binta Deo, whose dedication and commitment have ready stirred the vision of AWLN in Africa to this important milestone. For us as UN Women, we are proud to support the AWLN Liberia National chapter and its mission to build and strengthen women’s leadership in Liberia and across the continent.
Earlier, in a welcome remark, Liberia’s Justice Minister Oswald Tweh welcomed the women and girls and encouraged efforts to actualize the retreat goals. He urged: “As we kick off this retreat, I encourage you to embrace this moment. Make your voices be heard, your thoughts be shared, and your connections be deepened. The Justice Minister emphasized: “This retreat is not just an event, it is a unique opportunity to bridge the gaps between different ages, to foster mutual respect, and to unlock the potential that lies through partnership.”
Like Minister Oswald Tweh, Mrs. Ciata Stephens d’Almeida, Social Mobilization Co-Chair-AWLN, said the gathering is intended to strengthen women’s leadership and serve as a platform where expert women can share their experiences to motivate younger women. Therefore, she noted that the sixth retreat stands in the same direction and, importantly, to bridge the generation gaps and enhance women’s leadership.
At the occasion, Karl Backeus, the Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia, acknowledged the significance of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) efforts toward heightening intergenerational leadership and youth inclusion. He described it as something “Very right and important” and said there’s an intrinsic need for more of such initiatives.
Like him, Gerard Considine, the Ambassador of Ireland to Liberia, emphasized the commitment of Liberian women when placed in leadership roles and referenced their involvement in handling and remedying land disputes and exhibiting excellent leadership skills through his stay in Liberia. He recognized the gains that have been made but noted the need for more, especially when the 30 percent gender quota is yet to be achieved in Liberia. “We believe that more work needs to be done as we strive for full gender equality,” he said.
From her end, UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umotoni assured the United Nations (UM) commitment to the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), considering its apt interest in women’s leadership. “We, as the UN family, recognize the historical significance of women’s leadership,” she said. The UN Resident Coordinator also recognized the progress of Liberia’s strive to promote women’s leadership, which she said can be vividly seen through the election of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. “Liberia’s legacy in championing women’s leadership has been great.”
AWLN:
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) aims to strengthen women’s leadership in Africa’s transformation, in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Global Agenda 2030. During the launch in 2017, the women leaders pledged, among other things, to “establish and nurture an inclusive network’ composed of diverse women, including young women, and to mentor and support their leadership growth. As part of its Youth and Emerging Leaders’ pillar, AWLN organizes an Intergenerational Retreat (GR)beach year hosted by a Head of State.
The IGR is a co-leadership and co-mentoring gathering that aims at strengthening women’s intergenerational leadership by creating spaces for leadership experience sharing and co-mentorship. It is a space for the AWLN pioneer Elders to share experiences and expertise with the Young Women Leaders, highlighting and underscoring their roles in the transformative process of the continent.
Past Retreats have welcomed the presence of AWLN Patron, H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia; HE. Sahle-Work Zewde. President of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, whose unwavering leadership and mentorship have been a cornerstone of young women’s leadership. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan; H. E. Catherine Samba Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. Former President of the Republic of Mauritius; and H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, Former President of the Republic of Malawi. In the same vein, the Deputy Secretary-General, H. E. Amina Mohammed, has also been a strong support system for the movement and vouching for women’s mentorship initiatives.
