Former first lady Monica Geingos says achieving gender equality requires adequate political representation of women in key leadership positions.
Geingos’ advice to women is that “no one is coming to save” them, adding that progress in gender equity is fragile, as “we can hear and feel the pushback.”
“Our past is intertwined, and the fight for equality relies on institutions, and they are run by people, and the innate minds of people run institutions.
Our purpose is to see more women in Africa holding positions of power,” she said at the celebration of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Centre’s fifth anniversary in Monrovia, Liberia, over the weekend.
The event was marked by dynamic and open discussions, where participants engaged in deep conversations about the systemic barriers that hinder women from reaching leadership positions.
These discussions were not just about identifying the challenges, but also about actively exploring opportunities to overcome them.
The focus was on creating sustainable solutions that can dismantle long-standing gender biases, and pave the way for women to take their rightful place at decision-making tables.
Geingos said: “Madame Sirleaf said Africa needs five elected women presidents in the next 10 years. We are about to need three, as Namibia prepares to swear in its first elected woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a historic moment for the continent.”
Sirleaf stated that the journey to gender equity is only a few steps long and the objective is to increase the representation of women in positions of authority across Africa.
“It’s women who will make the systemic changes required to ensure Africa achieves its goals. The centre took a bold and transformative step towards eliminating gender disparity in public leadership across Africa, setting the stage for a future where women leaders can thrive without limitations.
This pivotal moment brought together an inspiring group of women leaders, including the Amujae Leaders, along with key partners, all united with a shared vision to shape the #GapZero Manifesto — a comprehensive roadmap designed to achieve gender equality in leadership,” Sirleaf highlighted.
The Amujae Initiative was developed to create and sustain a league of women leaders within the public service arena in Africa.
The Amujae Initiative is the flagship programme of the EJS Centre.
Now in its third year, Amujae Leaders represent women from diverse backgrounds with a similar track record of achievements in public life and a shared passion for uplifting African women and girls and the continent.