Women’s full and equal participation in decision making contributes to more inclusive solutions and better outcomes, and is essential to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, said Amujae Leader Malado Kaba. 

Moderating a discussion on ‘Advancing Women’s Leadership in Public Finance Management,’ a side event of the 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), Ms. Kaba introduced the topic at hand by highlighting that, as of 1 January 2021, only 11% of countries had finance portfolios led by women. She continued:

“Studies show that countries with higher numbers of women in the legislature provide more effective oversight functions. However, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in institutional decision making, including in public finance management.” 

Ms. Kaba, who is currently a Board Member at the International Budget Partnership, was the first woman to serve as Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Guinea from 2016 to 2018. She explained how she used her position to empower other women and help them get ahead in their careers during her tenure:

“I accommodated women completing their PhDs or other graduate studies with more flexible working hours, and promoted increased women’s participation in professional trainings.”

Mentorship and strong networks of support are crucial elements when it comes to getting more women into leadership positions, Ms. Kaba emphasized. She cited the EJS Center’s flagship program, the Amujae Initiative, and its work to “enhance, embolden, and engage women in public leadership in Africa,” as an example of how accomplished women leaders are raising one another up and paving the way for other women to follow. You can watch a recording of the session here.