July 2, 2019

African Women Leaders Network Nigeria Chapter launched in Abuja; Toyin Saraki hails ‘Historic Moment’

July 2, 2019

African Women Leaders Network Nigeria Chapter launched in Abuja; Toyin Saraki hails ‘Historic Moment’

Yesterday in Abuja the Nigeria Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) was launched.

The African Women Leaders Network advocates for increased women’s participation in decision-making, fosters collaboration and evolves a national vision to support women’s empowerment and leadership in line with Africa’s Agenda for 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

In her address to the launch – AWLN – The Journey So Far – Toyin Saraki applauded the launch:

“Thank you also to the Federal Government of Germany, the African Union, UN Women, and all partners and stakeholders who have made this historic moment possible.”

“As we mark the launch of the African Women Leaders’ Network Nigeria Chapter, I urge all of you to look around at the women who have joined us today. We are surrounded by women leaders: role models for women all around the country. As we navigate the way forward, which will sometimes be arduous, I know that we can look to this strong network of sisters to forge onwards together”

“All of us here know, however, that leaders are not bred in a day. Over the next year, and beyond, it will be essential for us to map and demonstrate the talent that we have in this country – superbly talented women leaders – but also to communicate the challenges and barriers faced by women which must be overcome for us to stand shoulder to shoulder with men at every level, in every country, in every region around the world. That is why the national and regional consultations which will be undertaken by AWLN are so important, as part of a wider effort to identify the true demographics of Nigeria. If we can discern the population for the purposes of an election, we must also be able to establish a comprehensive civil registration and vital statistics system, which allows us to allocate resources accordingly for health, community-engagement and infrastructure.”

“Only with that understanding can we effectively implement the necessary investments through the life course of a girl and woman. Gender development, if done effectively and led by local communities, will breed women leaders.”

“Let us remove the barriers to women’s leadership, and restore the bridges to Nigeria’s productivity.”

The launch, which was addressed by H. E. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented), UN Deputy Secretary-General,  H. E. Dr. Amina Mohammed, Executive Director, UN Women, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Mme. Bineta Diop AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security, Ms. Glory Ohagwu, OAP, Voice of Nigeria, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, AWLN Nigeria Steering Committee, H. E. Bernhard Schlagheck, Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Jens-Petter Kjemprud, Ambassador to Norway, UN Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon, Dr. Tunji John Asaolu, Country Representative, African Union. The Launch was concluded by Former Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Chairperson of the Steering Committee of AWLN Nigeria, with the presentation of the Call To Action.

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