Margibi County – The African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) has officially commenced its 6th International Leadership Retreat in Lower Margibi County, Liberia, gathering former and current heads of state, diplomats, and top government officials to promote women’s leadership, gender equality, and empowerment in line with Agenda 2063 and the Global Agenda 2030.
The historic event began on Sunday, October 27, 2024, and will conclude on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Farmington Hotel. The retreat is 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.”
AWLN, 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 UN Women—is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany.
The retreat aims to strengthen international leadership and dialogue, bridge the generational gap, and develop networking strategies that enhance and advance women’s leadership. It also seeks to promote gender equality and empowerment under Agenda 2063 and the Global Agenda 2030, advocating for the full implementation of the Beijing+30 commitments and the Pact for the Future through an AWLN monitoring mechanism.
One of the key objectives of the gathering is the launch of the AWLN mentorship booklet, which will serve as a roadmap for mentorship and capacity building.
In her goodwill message, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, Madam Comfort Lamptey, stated that the UN agency is proud to support the AWLN Liberia National Chapter and its mission to foster women’s leadership in Liberia and across the continent. She expressed optimism that nations can work together to champion gender equality and empower women through intergenerational dialogue and advocacy for more gender-responsive laws and policies in Liberia.
“As the UN Women Liberia Country Representative, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Liberia for the 6th Intergenerational Leadership Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network,” Madam Lamptey said. She described the event as a powerful moment for reflection, growth, and shared purpose across generations of African women leaders.
Madam Lamptey highlighted that transformative leadership transcends generations and that intergenerational conversations are essential for nurturing young women leaders and imparting wisdom from trailblazing predecessors.
“Liberia is a fitting choice for this retreat, given its remarkable history of women promoting peace, and of course, the legacy of AWLN Patron, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, and other powerful women leaders from the community to the Capitol,” Lamptey noted.
She further emphasized UN Women’s commitment to supporting the Liberia National Chapter’s initiatives in advancing intergenerational leadership and youth inclusion in governance and sustainable development. According to her, the newly established Youth Caucus of AWLN Liberia exemplifies this commitment, highlighting the critical role of young leaders in shaping the future.
Madam Lamptey also reaffirmed UN Women’s ongoing dedication to promoting youth leadership, building mentorship networks, and advancing a shared agenda for gender equality.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Gbeme Horace-Kollie, reiterated the administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Liberia where every woman and girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams.
According to Minister Horace-Kollie, President Boakai’s administration has set a new standard in gender inclusiveness by appointing more women to senior positions, including young women. “While we seek more appointments, this progress signifies a step forward in addressing the historical under-representation of women in leadership,” she added.
The minister warned that failing to empower young women risks losing half of their talents, vision, and potential for change. She stressed that neglecting this mission would perpetuate cycles of inequality, exclude essential perspectives from decision-making, and ultimately hinder Africa’s growth and progress. “That’s why President Boakai applauds the initiative of the African Women Leaders Network,” she emphasized.
Minister Horace-Kollie encouraged young African women aspiring for leadership to adopt a “spirit of resilience” and to face challenges head-on. “No matter the obstacles, we must never shy away from achievements that others have attained before us, knowing that we too can succeed,” she stated.
She expressed confidence that the retreat would lay the groundwork for an Africa where young women lead with purpose, passion, and unwavering resolve, stressing unity, resilience, and hope as key to building a brighter future for all.
Among the notable attendees were Liberia’s former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Togba Nah-Tipoteh, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, and members of the 55th Liberian Legislature. The event also featured cultural performances, special remarks from African dignitaries, and panel discussions.
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