On 11 February 2024, ACCORD actively participated in an event hosted by Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Focusing on the theme of ‘Recentering Women’s Political Agency and Leadership in Africa”, the event served as a pre-session to the Pan African Leadership Sawubona, which will be held in July 2024.
Distinguished figures at the gathering included Ms. Elizabeth Lwanga, AMwA Board Chairperson; Hon. Millie Odhiambo, member of the Kenyan Parliament; Hon. Fatuma Ndangiza, East African Legislative Assembly Women Caucus Leader; and Hon. Winnie Kiiza, Leader of Opposition and member of Ugandan Parliament. These influential women shared their invaluable experiences and insights into navigating the complex landscape of political leadership.
Participants emphasized the significance of women’s active involvement in politics, underscoring the critical need for meaningful participation. Beyond mere representation, there was a resounding call for women to play pivotal roles in policy-making and decision-making processes, recognizing that true impact arises from their presence in these spheres. The discourse highlighted the need to rethink and reimagine women’s leadership in both public and private sectors for substantial progress.
A key focus of the event was the necessity to integrate the women’s agenda into the broader pan-African narrative. Participants stressed the need for women to cultivate unwavering belief in their leadership abilities, despite facing heightened standards and expectations compared to their male counterparts. The influence of cultural norms, religious beliefs, and systemic resource disparities, which disproportionately impact women, was also acknowledged, calling for concerted efforts to address these systemic challenges. In a show of solidarity, the event championed the concept of sisterhood, encouraging women in leadership positions to actively support and uplift each other.
The event set forth a vision of collective empowerment, fostering an environment where women thrive and contribute meaningfully to the political landscape. To this end, ACCORD remains dedicated to enhance the role of women in decision-making processes.
