AWLNetwork

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) warmly congratulates Hon. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her appointment reflects a strong recognition of her distinguished leadership, diplomatic engagement, and longstanding commitment to public service and the advancement of Africa’s development and global partnerships. AWLN celebrates this important milestone and welcomes the continued rise of women in leadership and decision-making positions across the continent.

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) proudly congratulates Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP and Co-Chair of AWLN’s Governance & Political Participation Pillar, on her historic election as 2nd Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament. Securing a senior leadership position within the continental legislative body, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings achieved a resounding victory with 131 votes against 51, reflecting strong confidence and support from parliamentarians across Africa. AWLN celebrates this historic win and commends Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings for her continued commitment to inclusive leadership, Pan-Africanism, and advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. Africa rises stronger when women lead.

“Women’s participation and leadership are not optional, they are indispensable to building peace, fostering social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development.” At a high-level roundtable in #Mozambique organized by The Hunger Project & Universidade Joaquim Chissano on Women’s Leadership and Sustainable Development, Mme Bineta Diop, AWLN Co-Convener & Former AU Special Envoy on WPS, underscored the #urgent need to move beyond #representation toward meaningful influence for women at all levels of #leadership. The discussion highlighted the critical role of women leaders at the local level in transforming governance systems, strengthening community resilience, and advancing Africa’s sustainable development agenda. #AWLN #TheAfricaWeWant #Agenda2063

Today’s dialogue highlighted the resilience, courage, and leadership of young people across Africa. Despite being underestimated for generations, youth are rising to challenge inequality, conflict, unemployment, and exclusion while pushing for a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable future. Key takeaways from today's conversation : ✅Many of today’s biggest challenges are cross-cutting and interconnected across countries and regions. ✅Issues such as gender equality, GBV, unemployment, conflict resolution, and technology continue to impact the lives of youth and women in profound ways. ✅While contexts differ, African youth share common struggles, aspirations, and opportunities. ✅Collective, coordinated, and intergenerational action is essential to address these challenges effectively. #FreedomThursdays

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in partnership with the Mmabatho Foundation & AWLN South Africa, convened #FreedomThursdays under the theme “Youth at the Edge of 2030”. This dynamic dialogue brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and changemakers from across Africa and beyond to reflect on the future of freedom, economic inclusion, and peacebuilding in a rapidly changing world.

The African Women Leaders Network (@AWLNetwork) commends the @UN , the @EU_Commission & the @_AfricanUnion for organizing this timely #SIARP 2.0 side event, on the Spotlight Initiative at the sidelines of the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. This important dialogue on a whole-of-continent approach to ending violence against women and girls, and creating a space to strengthen leadership, partnerships and investment across Africa, was a fruitful space to build momentum as we advocate for the ratification of the #AUCEVAWG. AWLN welcomed the opportunity to engage with partners and stakeholders gathered around this important continental agenda and to reaffirm the shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls across Africa. Through its continental network and 39 national chapters, AWLN remains committed to supporting advocacy, mobilization and collective action for a safer and more equal Africa. #ARFSD12

Women are not just participants in change, they are the drivers of it. Across Ghana and beyond, women continue to break barriers, inspire progress, and lead with purpose. At AWLN Ghana, we celebrate and amplify these voices because when women rise, nations thrive.

AWLN was proud to engage in the Youth Pre-Event to the 12th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-12) in Addis Ababa, contributing to vital intergenerational dialogue on advancing the #Agenda2030 and accelerating youth-led SDG action across Africa. “Youth participation should not stop at consultation. Young people, especially young women, must be supported, connected and empowered to move from participation to influence, and from influence to implementation.” #AWLN #TheAfricaWeWant #YouthLeadership

Women lead 40 of the 193 Permanent Missions at 🇺🇳 #UNHQ. 🌐 For International Delegates Day (25 April), we salute these #WomenInDiplomacy 🕊️ for 📜 advancing dialogue 🤝 enhancing mutual understanding ✒️ strengthening multilateralism through diplomacy Bravo! 👏

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in partnership with the Mmabatho Foundation & AWLN South Africa, invites you to #FreedomThursdays 🗓 30 April | 🕐 10:00-14:00 SAST Youth at the Edge of 2030 This powerful session brings together inspiring youth leaders, policymakers, and changemakers from across Africa and beyond to explore the future of freedom, economic inclusion, and peacebuilding in a rapidly changing world. Join the conversation 👇 shorturl.at/of21b #AWLN #FreedomDay #YouthEmpowerment

Are you a woman shaping policy, leading change, or ready to step into political leadership? Together with @UNDPAfrica, the @_AfricanUnion & @AWLNetwork, we're launching the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a fully funded, continental programme for 30 exceptional women. Applications are now open. 🚀 Apply here: shorturl.at/FTBeh Deadline: 15 May 2026

Are you a woman ready to step into political leadership? 🌍 Together with @ASG_Africa, @_AfricanUnion & @AWLNetwork, we’re launching the 1st cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership for 30 exceptional women. Apply by 15 May 2026: shorturl.at/nKXN5

In my role as Patron of the @AWLNetwork, I joined former Ethiopian President @SahleWorkZewde and Executive Director, Joyce Mends-Cole on a network visit to Dar es Salaam, at the invitation of President @SuluhuSamia of Tanzania. We engaged stakeholders to better understand the causes and implications of the October 29 unrest.

At #ADC2026, hosted by Harvard Kennedy School, leaders from across Africa and beyond convened under the theme “Africa and the World: Reclaiming Agency in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape.” H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, AWLN Elder and Former President of Mauritius, delivered a clear and resonant message: Africa’s development must be grounded in its realities, driven by science, and led by its people, particularly its youth. A dynamic convergence of ideas, dialogue, and collaboration shaping Africa’s future. Africa’s development must be rooted in its realities, driven by science, and led by its people especially its youth. #AWLN #Harvard #Innovation #Africa #Development