The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) hosted from 21st September to 1st October 2023, its 5th Intergenerational Retreat in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, under the patron of H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo. Holding under the theme: “Harnessing Africa's Young Women's Demographic Dividend towards an Effective Implementation of the AfCFTA,” the 5th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR) provided a platform for Africa’s young and senior women to engage in meaningful dialogue as they navigated core thematic issues and topics aligned with the above mentioned year’s overarching theme with the view to call attention to the AfCFTA in progression towards the Agenda 2063 and achieving “The Africa We Want”.
The objective of the AWLN is to increase representation of women in leadership positions in public and private sectors under its 6 pillars: Peace and Security; Governance & Political Participation; Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources & Mining; Agriculture, Rural-Blue Economy & Land; Social Mobilization; Youth & Emerging Leaders.
In line with this mission to advance women in decision-making, the event served as a pivotal platform for AWLN to manifest its commitment to fostering the inclusion of women in decision-making processes in relation to the Agenda 2063 and 2030. It is within this context that AWLN aimed to facilitate an exploration of how to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and the ensuing impact on sustainable development, governance, and peace across the African continent.
Several women leaders were in attendance including H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia; H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia; H.E. Bineta Diop, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Ines Nefer Ingani, Minister of Women’s Promotion and Integration in Development of the Republic of Congo.
Other participating members consisted of young and senior African women leaders from across Africa and beyond, AWLN Young Women’s Caucus, AWLN National Chapter members, AWLN Elders and Pioneers, and AWLN Congo National Chapter members and AWLN president, Mme Daniele Sassou Nguesso, First Lady of the Republic of Congo.
The highly attended three-day event began with a meeting hosted by the AWLN Chairlady of the Congo Chapter with an opening address by AWLN Co-Convener and African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, H.E. Bineta Diop. Citizens of the Republic of Congo joined IGR participants for The High-Level Official Opening which included Heads of States to address attendees.
President of Ethiopia, H.E. Sahle Work Zewde shared her views on the importance of women empowerment and equality through unified action towards a unified vision; as she stated that “You can’t win a match if half the team is on the bench!” The President of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso addressed participants with encouraging messages reflecting on the importance of the role women play in the sustainability and development of Africa, leading by example by assigning leadership positions to women in his government.
Speakers the IGR as a valuable platform for women to learn and share experiences towards building a progressive and sustainable Africa. Deputy Secretary- General of the UN, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed encouraged senior women leaders to use the IGR platform to “bring together resolve of young women, with the experience of resilience of more time-tested leadership”.
Throughout the three-day event, young and senior women leaders unpacked fundamental themes and partook in panel discussions with high-level women leaders, and mentoring sessions and interactive dialogue and group discussions to address fundamental challenges and propose effective solutions that will unlock opportunities for women leaders to transform and propel Africa forward. Staying true to its purpose, the retreat exposed Africa’s young women to meaningful discussions and guidance towards finding solutions towards tackling issues that will impact their communities and the global landscape.
Senior leader and UN Special Envoy of the Horn of Africa, H.E. Hanna Tetteh emphasised the importance of solidarity and networking, and that “not only is the youth the future, but the youth is the present”. In line with this forward-looking perspective, the retreat aimed to expand on the existing national chapters, which already numbered 33 and counting, indicating a growing movement across the African continent. As part of the activities during the retreat was the launch of the AWLN platform, which is set to serve as a hub for connecting and empowering young African women in the continent and beyond
One of the outcome of the 5th IGR among other, was its unique approach to problem-solving and collaboration where through group discussions, the voices of participants who were directly involved on-the-ground efforts were amplified. This two-way exchange of ideas ensured that the recommendations generated during the event were not just theoretical but deeply grounded in the realities and facts faced by these leaders.
Furthermore, the diversity of attendees, representing a wide spectrum of professional backgrounds and countries of origin, provided a rich and broad perspective on the challenges at hand. It was through this diverse lens that the commonality of challenges across various countries became apparent, underscoring the significance of AWLN's role in addressing these shared obstacles.
The 5th IGR illustrated how AWLN, with its extensive reach across the continent and diaspora, was ideally positioned to tackle these challenges. This collaborative spirit and the concrete recommendations formed during these discussions further solidified AWLN's commitment to advancing the cause of women in leadership and the successful implementation of the AfCFTA.
The 5th Intergenerational Retreat opened a door to foster relationships between young and senior women. Not only did it lay the foundation for connecting and empowering young African women through the AWLN platform, but it also significantly strengthened and expanded relationships between generations. The closing ceremony concluded the retreat with final words of encouragement shared by senior women leaders. AWLN Patron, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reminded young African women to “be prepared, take charge wherever they can, speak up, and be ready for position.” This shared experience of wisdom and guidance from senior leaders not only strengthened the bonds between generations but also underscored the value of mentorship, highlighting the ongoing support that would continue to guide these young women as they embarked on their journeys beyond the retreat.
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Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Mobile: +1 (347) 812-7195 / WhatsApp: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
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Oumou Daou Koumoue| Communications Advisor | Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations | Mobile: +1 (914)316-3726 | email: koumoueo@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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