African Women Leaders Network Gathers in Addis Ababa for Milestone Meetings
On February 13, 2026, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) held a series of impactful meetings on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa. These gatherings not only served as a platform for discussing the advancement of women’s leadership across Africa but also marked a significant step toward the Network’s 10th anniversary celebration in 2027.
The AWLN convened high-profile participants, including pioneers, elders, and representatives from various African nations and partner organizations. This assembly aimed to reflect on the evolution of women’s leadership in Africa, highlighting initiatives that have led to the establishment of national chapters in nearly 40 countries.
A key feature of the event was the Fireside Conversation with Africa’s female leaders, which included H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, AWLN Patron and former President of Liberia. This dialogue provided a strategic platform for discussing pressing issues affecting women today, particularly the interconnections between women’s leadership, water security, and climate resilience on the continent.
In her opening remarks, Sirleaf emphasized the journey from a visionary idea to a robust movement committed to strengthening women’s leadership in Africa. With the support of various AU representatives and key UN agencies, participants shared reflections on the challenges the Network faces in fostering an inclusive environment for women in governance.
The conversations at the High-Level Meeting were held against a backdrop of growing geopolitical strife and a concerning trend toward prioritizing military security over human security. AWLN elders noted that ongoing resource-driven conflicts in Africa hinder the continent’s potential and impede progress toward gender equality. They reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to ensure that women play a central role in governance and peace processes, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making that shapes the future of the continent.
Additionally, representatives from partner organizations, such as the German government, recommitted to support the AWLN’s initiatives as influential partners. The Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security from the AU underscored the importance of these relationships, reiterating their dedication to impactful collaborations moving forward.
UN agencies were also well-represented at the event, with leaders from UN Women, UNDP, and the UN Population Fund expressing ongoing support for initiatives designed to empower women in political leadership. UNDP announced its commitment to fund the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership, which includes a Leadership Academy in Kigali aimed at nurturing future female leaders.
The AWLN Elders renewed their advocacy for the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG), emphasizing the urgency of attaining 15 ratifications for the agreement to enter into force.
The day’s discussions included the High-Level Breakfast, co-organized with the Empowering Women in Agriculture (EWA) initiative. This gathering focused on concrete actions to enhance women’s leadership within the scope of the AU’s 2026 Theme of the Year, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Mme Bineta Diop, Co-Convener of AWLN, expressed her gratitude towards all partners, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing women’s leadership across the continent.
In a compelling call to action, the AWLN urged all AU Member States and partners to prioritize investments in women’s leadership as a critical path toward peace and progress. The Network is committed to expanding its chapters to every AU Member State, ensuring that every African woman and girl is empowered to lead, make impactful decisions, and thrive in their communities.
The outcomes of these meetings pave the way for a renewed focus on women’s involvement in governance and leadership as Africa continues to navigate complex challenges in the contemporary landscape.
— Reported by Nexio News
