In an op-ed published in Impakter, EJS Center Executive Director Dr. Ophelia I. Weeks highlights how the Amujae Initiative is working to create a wave of women leaders across Africa.
“We are creating a network of accomplished women across Africa, facilitating an open and honest exchange of ideas and creating opportunities for them to develop new skills. And we are connecting them with women leaders who have come before them…whose wisdom and experience can help them to overcome the hurdles and challenges that still lie ahead.
But these women are not just looking up, they are also looking back—extending a hand to the next generation of women leaders coming up behind them.
By harnessing the talents of our current women leaders and creating a wave of others in their wake, I have no doubt that our continent can surmount the challenges that we face, putting Africa firmly on the path towards inclusive growth and prosperity. But it will take collective action, commitment, and resolve.”
Dr. Weeks also highlighted how the Amujae Initiative has adapted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic:
“We have not let COVID-19 scupper our plans; in fact, the pandemic has proven the strong value of the network we have built within a relatively short timeframe. Only a few years ago, Madam Sirleaf led Liberia through the Ebola virus crisis, and the experience of orchestrating a global response in Liberia means she is able to pass on invaluable insight to the 15 Amujae Leaders. Those lessons, and those that the Amujae Leaders have shared with each other, are now being put into practice in the eleven countries represented across the program, undoubtedly saving more lives and helping the public and private sectors build resilience.”
Finally, Dr. Weeks highlighted the application process to join the 2021 cohort of the Amujae Initiative, which is open from 14 to 30 September 2020, noting: “There is much more work ahead, and as we launch recruitment for the next cohort of Amujae Leaders, I’m excited to see how they will move the needle on women’s public leadership.”
To read the full op-ed, click here.
