The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) is a transformative organization established in 2018 to promote women’s representation in leadership positions and drive social change in Africa. Founded by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – the first democratically elected woman head of state in Africa, the EJS Center aims to foster equity and inclusion on the continent by increasing women’s participation in governance.
The Center’s flagship program, the Amujae Initiative equips women for the highest echelons of public leadership and is uniquely designed to accelerate the journeys of ambitious women public leaders as they work to achieve their aspirations. In line with its mission, the Center aims to drive substantial progress by placing women at the forefront of shaping Africa’s destiny. Since the program’s launch in 2020, the EJS Center has successfully enhanced the capacity and effectiveness of 30 women from 16 African countries. The initiative has created a strong sisterhood among these Amujae Leaders, inspiring them to strive for higher positions of authority and influence.
In April 2023, the EJS Center – in partnership with Big Win Philanthropy – welcomed the third cohort of Amujae Leaders. This intergenerational cohort comprises 12 high-achieving women public leaders with great aspirations for their countries. Among this year’s cohort are former and current cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and advisors to executive and civil society leaders. This cohort was inducted into the Amujae network at the 2023 Amujae Leadership Forum held on the 26th and 27th of April 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel (Upper Hill) in Nairobi, Kenya. Beyond the induction forum, Amujae Leaders have access to an array of capacity-building and visibility-enhancing opportunities, as well as a committed network of peers and coaches through the EJS Center.
The forum enabled the 2023 Amujae Leaders to meet and establish relationships with peers and coaches that include H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, H.E. Joyce Banda, Former President of the Republic of Malawi and H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of Central African Republic. The Amujae Leaders were also guided through steps to develop tailored plans for their leadership journeys. With the support of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the 2023 Amujae Leaders also got the opportunity to network with other leaders and experts at the Ibrahim Governance Weekend which was held on the 28th – 30th of April 2023.