Women’s political leadership in Africa took center stage at the High-Level African Women Leadership Forum during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
The event, co-hosted by the African Union (AU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), gathered influential women leaders, government officials, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and development partners to advance the cause of women in politics across the continent.
A cornerstone of the forum was the launch of the Africa Facility to Support Women in Political Leadership. This new initiative aims to provide African women with critical resources, mentorship, and platforms to increase their participation and success in political life. Attendees endorsed a Joint Statement of Priorities focused on accelerating women’s political participation, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s leadership roles.
International support was underscored by the participation of Serap Güler, Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office. Güler reiterated Germany’s strong commitment to advancing African women’s political leadership, emphasizing that the fight for women’s empowerment is a global priority requiring collective responsibility.
Advocates at the forum highlighted that women’s leadership is transformative, not merely symbolic. Research consistently shows that when women are involved in decision-making, policies become more inclusive, peace processes more durable, and development outcomes stronger for entire communities. By placing women at the center of governance, Africa moves closer to achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In closing, participants called for sustained action to ensure women are not just included but lead at all levels of political life. With new initiatives like the Africa Facility, robust partnerships, and international solidarity, the vision of an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Africa,shaped by women’s leadership,is within reach.
