Addis Ababa, Monday 26th November 2018 : The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), together with the International Olympic Committee and the #MeToo Movement, three important initiatives driving global change, will receive the first POWER, TOGETHER Awards during the inaugural Women Leaders Global Forum on November 28 in Reykjavik, Iceland.

“The only way to advance society is using our power, together,” says Women Political Leaders President Silvana Koch-Mehrin. “Together, we can create societies of strong diversity and inclusion, and produce the progress we want to see to have equality for women and men.”
This year’s honorees have been selected by Women Political Leaders (WPL), the Government of Iceland and the Parliament of Iceland, and will be the first initiatives ever to receive this award.

The 2018 POWER, TOGETHER Award recipients led ground-breaking movements to create impactful and lasting change.

About African Women Leaders Network
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) is an initiative of African women leaders from various sectors, with the support of the African Union Commission and the United Nations, with aim to enhance the leadership of African women in the transformation of the continent in line with Africa Agenda 2063. Started in June 2017. AWLN has achieved key milestones: from multiplying the voices of African women leaders on the ground to enhancing their participation and leadership in key decision-making processes. The AWLN supports the advancement of African women leaders through flagship projects, peer learning, experience sharing and cross-generational dialogues in order to bolster women’s contributions to building and sustaining peace, sustainable economies and social transformation.

“We encourage women to be in solidarity with each other. We make solidarity visits to countries where women are facing the biggest challenges, because of conflict, climate insecurity and other disturbing reasons.” Said Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women.

“The Call of the African Women Leaders Network is about Africa's transformation,” said Ms. Bineta Diop, African Union Commission Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. “It is about us, as African women. That is why women are at the forefront to create sustainable economies and peaceful societies. With the AWLN we are bringing people together and leading to achieve Africa's Transformation.”

About the Women Leaders Global Forum
The Women Leaders Global Forum is co-hosted by Women Political Leaders Network (WPL) and the Government and Parliament of Iceland. The inaugural Forum will be held in Reykjavik, 26-26 November, 2018. The Forum’s mission is to provide a platform where women leaders discuss and share ideas and solutions on how to further advance society, increase gender equality and promote and positively develop the number of women in leadership positions.
The event will feature keynote speakers, all internationally recognised for their contribution to advancing society and there will be 400 invitation-only delegates from over 100 countries. For further information: https://www.womenpoliticalleaders.org/power_together_awards/

For more information on the African Women Leaders Network, please contact:
Dr. Jean-Bosco Butera, Chief of Staff and Special Adviser to the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security ButeraJ@africa-union.org
Ms. Verlaine-Diane Soobroydoo, Policy Adviser on Women, Peace and Security and Focal Person of the African Women Leaders Network Verlaine.soobroydoo@unwomen.org