After attending the Amujae Leadership Forum convened by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, African women leaders feel the strength of the sisterhood behind them

Women leaders from across the African continent shared their strategies for building resilience and encouraged each other to persevere in pursuing their goals during the second Amujae Leadership Forum, held in Monrovia, Liberia this weekend.

Hosted by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center), the women heard insights from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and distinguished global speakers about bouncing back during periods of uncertainty and hardship.

The women taking part in the Forum are part of the Amujae Initiative, the EJS Center’s flagship program. The initiative prepares women to excel in the highest echelons of public leadership and bring other women along.

Highlighting the aim of the initiative, EJS Center Executive Director, Ophelia Weeks said:

“Our intent is to activate, accelerate, and elevate Amujae Leaders’ ambition for even greater influence through a series of forums, such as this one, as well as targeted follow-up workshops, one-on-one coaching, and the creation of an active support network.”

During the Forum, Amujae Leaders shared lessons from their leadership journeys. Reflecting on the discussions over the three-day event, Madam Sirleaf said:

“When I see all of you and what you have been through, what you aspire to, it gives all of us hope. We feel so emboldened by each and every one of you.”

Isata Kabia, 2021 Amujae Leader, former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone, and founder of Voice of Women Africa, said:

“We leave the Forum inspired to create a wave of women leaders across the continent and energized to help build more resilient and inclusive societies.”

The EJS Center also thanked the Liberian health authorities for their collaboration to ensure that the Forum could be held safely. All participants were tested for COVID-19 prior to arriving in Liberia and before departure, among other precautions including handwashing stations and distribution of masks.

The Amujae Leadership Forum was organized with support from Big Win Philanthropy.