The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) has welcomed its new Interim Executive Director and Board Secretary, Ms. Oley Dibba-Wadda, who will take over from Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks. Ms. Dibba-Wadda is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Gam Africa Institute for Leadership (GAIL).
A member of the inaugural cohort of Amujae Leaders – the network of remarkable African women who have made their mark as leaders in various spheres of life across the continent – Ms. Dibba-Wadda is uniquely positioned to help the Center expand the scope of its Amujae Initiative.
With over 25 years of leadership and management experience with various international and pan-African organizations – in addition to her expertise in African and international policies on women and girls’ rights, gender equality, education, and youth development – Ms. Dibba-Wadda will play a crucial role in the future success of the Amujae Initiative and of the EJS Center’s mission of increasing women’s public leadership representation in Africa.
Ms. Dibba-Wadda will also focus her attention on providing oversight, and strategic leadership and management to the Center, including the Presidential Center and Library project in Monrovia, Liberia, which, once completed, will become the first Presidential Center to be founded by a woman president. She will lead the progress toward completing the project and creating the perfect physical representation of the legacy of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the first democratically elected woman president in Africa.
Reacting to her appointment at her new role with the Center, Ms. Dibba-Wadda said:
“It will be a privilege and an honor to play a part in driving the mission of the EJS Center forward under the wings of Madam Sirleaf. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about women’s and girls’ rights and youth development. I have always worked hard to make sure that African women and girls have the opportunities to become the leaders they are naturally born to be. I will now be able to work with the remarkable and hardworking EJS Center team to help African women and girls find their way toward success and leadership.”
The Center would like to express its deepest gratitude for the unparalleled service, support, and guidance that Dr. Weeks has offered throughout her time as Executive Director and Board Secretary. Her experience and dedication have been a guiding light for all those working at the EJS Center. Since joining the Center’s team, Dr. Weeks has shown an unwavering belief in women’s roles as changemakers capable of transforming the public governance landscape and solving critical development issues – from economic growth and healthcare to climate change and education.
Madam Sirleaf thanks Dr. Weeks for her outstanding service and commitment to the EJS Center’s mission and vision and welcomes Ms. Dibba-Wadda into her new role.