Hailing from a diversity of professional backgrounds and originating from countries across the African continent, the inaugural cohort of Amujae Leaders are united by a common purpose: a commitment to public service and to uplifting other women.

At the Amujae Initiative’s launch, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf highlighted how the Amujae Initiative and its sisterhood of women leaders will support one another, accelerating women’s leadership and driving transformation across the African continent:

“Today, we extend our hands to each other, we teach, we learn the hard lessons which others have so painstakingly endured. We mentor, and we raise our sisters up.”

During the Amujae Leadership Forum, the women in the inaugural cohort of Amujae Leaders had the chance to be coached by world-class leaders, including Madam Sirleaf, former President of Malawi Joyce Banda, former President of the Central African Republic Catherine Samba-Panza, and former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Dr. Thelma Awori–all while building a powerful network of support amongst themselves. 

Over the months following the forum, this coaching and training was put to use as the Amujae Leaders returned to their home countries. From driving COVID-19 responses to catalyzing initiatives to advance women’s representation in public service, they have delivered tangible impact for their communities.

Some examples of the Amujae Leaders’ inspiring work has been recently featured in an Impakter op-ed authored by EJS Center Executive Director Dr. Ophelia I. Weeks: 

“In Ghana, Member of Parliament and trained medical doctor Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has applied the practice of tapping into informal networks, launching a campaign targeting women in her community with messages about the importance of good hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Sierra Leone, Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE has developed context-appropriate guidelines for the residents of her city and worked to strengthen sanitation infrastructure.

In Ethiopia, Blen Sahilu has used social media to provide clear and consistent information about COVID-19, leveraging lessons drawn from discussions during the inaugural forum.”

The inaugural cohort is just the beginning. As these inspiring women progress on their public leadership journeys, we are now recruiting for the next cohort of EJS Amujae Leaders to continue to build a wave of women in leadership. 

The application process to join the 2021 class of Amujae Leaders is open until September 30 at 23:59 GMT. Apply to join here: https://www.ejscenter.org/amujae-initiative-2021-application/