The African Women Development Network (AWDN) held its 6th Intergenerational Leadership retreat at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, Liberia, from October 27 to 29, 2024. This retreat aimed to bolster women’s leadership across the continent by focusing on co-leadership and co-mentoring. With prominent figures like former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in attendance, the event served as a crucial platform for experienced women leaders to share their insights with emerging leaders. The summit’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era: Paving the Way for a Sustainable and Equitable Society,” establishes a context where participants could explore pathways to a more equitable future while celebrating the transformative roles women have in society. The event featured various activities, including plenary sessions and discussions aimed at tackling leadership and gender equality challenges.
The retreat saw the participation of high-profile dignitaries, including UN officials, ambassadors from various countries, and prominent Liberian leaders, reflecting the collaborative essence of the event. The opening discussions centered around the pressing need for young women to redefine political leadership and entrepreneurial initiatives within a globalized economy. Additionally, the event highlighted the upcoming launch of the AWLN Mentorship Program, which aims to support leadership development through a structured mentorship framework. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering a pipeline of strong women leaders who can contribute significantly to society. Such dialogues emphasize the importance of shared experiences and lessons learned in driving gender equality and supporting women’s aspirations.
During the event, the former presidents shared invaluable insights into their leadership journeys, encouraging the next generation to cultivate the confidence required to drive meaningful change. Gender Minister Gbeme Horace articulated the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment that enables every woman and girl in Liberia to actualize their goals. She reiterated the essence of the Beijing+30 declaration in shaping the governmental policies aimed at political, economic, and social empowerment. Horace’s address reinforced the necessity for collective action to honor the legacy of women’s rights movements while urging young women to assume leadership roles. This alignment with historical commitments adds a critical dimension to Liberia’s ongoing efforts in promoting gender equality in the political sphere.
Comfort Lamptey, the UN Women Country Representative, commended the AWDN’s initiatives in Liberia, emphasizing the significance of intergenerational conversations for nurturing future leaders. Her remarks, combined with those of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, highlighted the unique opportunity the retreat provided for bridging generational divides in leadership. They encouraged open engagement among attendants to enhance mutual respect and collaborative efforts. The involvement of various stakeholders, such as government officials and representatives from international organizations, demonstrates a unified commitment to addressing the systemic obstacles faced by women in leadership roles.
The event also spotlighted Liberia’s historical progress regarding women’s participation in politics, as noted by Ciata Stevens, the Social Media Co-chair for the AWLN Liberia chapter. While the election of eight women to the House of Representatives in 2023 represents a notable advancement, the continued underrepresentation of women in the Senate underscores the challenges that remain in achieving gender equity. Ambassadors at the retreat reiterated these concerns, stressing that the limited representation of women in leadership negatively affects their confidence and ability to lead effectively. This conversation reinforced the retreat’s intent to build a culture of mentorship and support among women leaders, crucial for fostering a conducive environment where women can thrive politically and socially.
In summary, the AWDN retreat serves as a catalyst for accelerating women’s leadership across Africa. By providing a platform for experienced and emerging leaders to converge, the retreat not only nurtures the next generation of women leaders but also amplifies calls to action for gender equality in Liberia and beyond. The discussions and initiatives from the retreat reaffirm the significant strides made yet also highlight the enduring challenges women face in leadership. As a result, the need for a collective commitment to mentorship and empowerment remains critical. This commitment must translate into tangible actions that will pave the way to a sustainable and equitable society for future generations of women leaders on the continent.
