African Women Leaders Network Holds Retreat In Monrovia -EJS, Others Brainstorm How to Make Young Women Leaders
By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) over the weekend commenced its 6th International Leadership Retreat at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County where prominent feminists have been sharing notes on how to pave the way for young women to be leaders in the public and private sectors.
AWLN is a continental platform aimed at galvanizing women’s leadership across the continent.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of president Joseph N. Boakai, Gender Minister Gbeme Teta Horace Kollie said the event holds a profound significance not only for Liberia, but for Africa as a whole.
This year’s assembly is held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing +30 Era,” and it calls on state parties to uphold the legacy of the Beijing Platform for Action while empowering young women to lead the African continent into a new era of inclusiveness, equity, and shared progress.
Minister Kollie noted that the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set forth an ambitious vision for gender equality, embodying a global commitment to empower women in all spheres of life–political, economic, and social.
“Decades later, the aspirations of the Beijing Platform remain central to our mission,” she told delegates. “Therefore, we are obliged to maintain this vital momentum.”
“In this Beijing +30 Era,” she continued, “our charge is to transform this legacy into tangible progress by creating environments where young women can flourish, lead, and make meaningful contributions. In this direction, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Liberia, where every woman and girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams.”
The Liberian Gender Minister divulged that the Government of Liberia, under Boakai’s stewardship, has also set a new precedent in gender inclusiveness by appointing more women to senior positions in his administration, some of whom are young women.
“This is clear indication that empowering the next generation of women leaders serves as a major building block for resilient and productive societies,” she stressed. “When young women are equipped with the requisite tools, mentorship, and the opportunity to lead, they drive progress across all sectors. If we fail to empower young women today, we risk losing half of our talents, vision, and potential for meaningful change.”
Minister Kollie stated that neglecting this mission would prolong the cycles of inequality, exclude critical perspectives from decision-making, and ultimately suffocate our nations’ growth and progress.
“That’s why President Boakai applauds the initiative of the African Women Leaders Network,” the keynote speaker further noted, adding, “We cannot afford to let this happen; therefore, empowering young women is not only a matter of fairness but of advancement. To overcome these barriers, inter-generational collaboration is essential.”
Minister Kollie encouraged young women aspiring for leadership roles to muster a “spirit-of-fight’’, always ready to face the challenges head-on.
“No matter the magnitude of the obstacle, we must never shy away from accomplishments that others have achieved before us, knowing that we too can succeed,” she said. “As we innovate for a new mentality of leadership, let me remind us all to always be ready to lead with integrity and distinction, taking on a garment of servant-hood, rather than self-seeking approach, avoiding the temptation of politicizing our service.”
Recognizing to the role of African women leaders, Madam Kollie said: “Allow me use this moment to applaud and recognize the resilience of women leaders who have paved the way, celebrating our own Patron, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other distinguished officials from across the continent and the diaspora.”
In a panel conversation at the retreat, former president Madam Ellen Johnson admonished young women to be ready to face challenges.
“To be a leader, protect your values and principles and be prepared to face challenges, because they serve as a catalyst for success,” she said.
The former Liberian leader noted that leadership isn’t effective without empathy.
“I started with a long journey of going from one step to the other, and facing obstacles, I was able to overcome, taking positions way back in school, positions for the right thing and challenging the status quo.”
She told the audience of largely young women leaders: “Be able to take a position; be prepared for the consequences of the action you take.”
Also speaking at the occasion was European Union Ambassador to Liberia Nona Deprez who reminded delegates that even in many countries in Europe, “we are really very far to achieve a gender equality society”.
“We have seen many countries in Europe backsliding in the fight to have a gender-equal society. It is important African women leaders have a stronger voice at the decision-making table,” she added.
Day-one of the 6th Inter-generational Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) brought together over 100 participants of African leaders, including ministers, Commissioners, Directors Head of Agencies from across Africa.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) 6th International Leadership Retreat recognized the 86-birth anniversary of former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – the specific date being tomorrow, Tuesday, October 29.
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