AWLO 10th Anniversary Int'l Conference: Liberian VP, Aisha Buhari, Govs Dickson & El-rufai others set the pace

- Themed 'Creating Trans-generational Impact through Innovative Leadership'

BY Innocent Imoh

African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) is set to mark the 10^th Anniversary of the organization. And an African Women in Leadership Conference, themed 'Creating Trans-generational Impact through Innovative Leadership', will on Thursday, July 19 through Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Center, Abuja, Nigeria.

The Keynote Speaker is Her Excellency, Chief Dr. Jewel-Howard Taylor;Vice President of Liberia; while the Chief Host is Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, Wife of the President of Nigeria.

Over the years, African Women in Leadership Organization, the premier organization for women/young women of African descent, has been consistent in changing the narrative and building capacity of African Women in Leadership through Networking, Experiential Leadership Development and Social Impact.

An international not-for-profit organization with chapters and youth councils in 10 African Countries;  it also exists as a 501(c) organization under the federal laws of the United States of America, is springing up in the United Kingdom, and is also officially signed up to the United Nations Global Compact.

AWLO’s 10^th Anniversary which is the hallmark of her impactful years, will open with a grand reception on Thursday, July 19 in honor of the Vice President of Liberia; Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, a member of African Women in Leadership Organization, as a showcase of the organization's milestone to produce a female leader in that capacity.

In a press statement signed by its founder, Dr. Elisha Attai, the anniversary celebration will be followed bya 2-day Conference on July 20 and 21 that will feature capacity building sessions such as Paper Presentations, Women in Politics Symposium, Leadership Roundtable, and Women in Male Dominated Sectors Symposium.

The statement in parts read:

'This conference will be a gathering of women of African descent for leadership development, as well as provide women a platform to network and brainstorm for personal development.

 

'It is also a movement of African Women’s relevance - Women teaming up, forming a force, in one voice, and initiating a movement. They are improving themselves and creating opportunities for themselves. Working together and creating solutions for Africa.

'In a patriarchal society where women leaders are emerging, AWLO seeks to fan the flames of budding leaders. AWLO is identifying opportunities for women in leadership; removing barriers, challenging women, and channeling their leadership potential. We hope for women to ‘own a seat at the table.

'The Niche – ‘Women in Leadership’ is still untapped because it is reserved for a few women who are in leadership positions. For us leading is an attitude, and we want more women to imbibe it.

'Another high point of the 10^th Anniversary will be on July 20 at the unveiling and decoration of ‘100 Amazons’ profiled in the book AFRICAN WOMEN OF WORTH – CELEBRATING 100 AMAZONS VOL 1 by AWLO Founder; Dr. Elisha Attai - a compendium of women who have risen above the setbacks that beset women in Africa to become shining examples in their various fields. Their biographies can be peeked at elishaattai.com/book.

Dr.Attai is not only excited about convening the African women in Leadership Conference every year, but now celebrates the works of women of African Descent through his research work that identifies him as a ‘He for She’.

In the statement, he explained enthusiastically; “I look forward to a world where women take their rightful place as Leaders in every sphere of life. So, I am committed to create opportunities for them to unravel their leadership potential and celebrate Amazons who are living beyond the limitations set upon women'.

In compiling this encyclopedia of 100 Amazons he has joined forces with other He for Shes such as Professor Patrice Lumumba who wrote its forward and Chief Dele Momodu, the reviewer.

The statement added that 'Another goal of the event is to Engage Decision Makers for the right policies and opportunities for women. Thereafter, create a communique' for implementable actions. It will engage key decision makers such as Business Owners, Heads of Government, Policy Makers, Institutions and Government Agencies to propagate the right agenda to favor women’s leadership.

'AWLC is a global pedestal for networking with peers and mentors and maximizing opportunities to showcase businesses and competencies. There are tons of opportunities out there, and African Women in Leadership Conference beams the light on them.

'This year’s sessions will be anchored and facilitated by Global Leaders including H.E. Hon. Seriake Dickson - Governor of Bayelsa State; H. E. Mallam Nasir el-Rufai - Governor of Kaduna State, H.E. Samira Bawumia, Julie Okah-Donli, Arc. Jumoke Adenowo, Dr. Gloria Shoda,H.E Guy Mayers, UK;Hon. Fatoumata Jahumpa,Gambia; Mrs. Edith Uyovbukerhi, Ghana; Macdella Cooper, Liberia;Yemi  Adenuga, UK; Hon. Abike Dabiri, Charles Otudor,Professor Shirley Congdon, UK;Barr. TimipreWolo, Mrs. Moradeke Morounkeji Okunrinboye; Female Architects of Nigeria, Ezinne Ekanem, Dr. Adaeze Oreh and others.

The statement also said 'Our speakers are policy makers, outstanding professionals, innovators, from all over Africa and the diaspora. So aside from bonding moments, there will be enlightening conversations and opportunities for women to excel through learning sessions and networking.

'African Women in Leadership Conference also inspires ‘the African Movement’ and will feature Exhibitions by indigenous brands and a Fashion for a Cause (African Fashion Show with Proceeds to Charity) headlined by the Nigerian brand, Kiks Place.

The statement concluded thus 'Yes, this is going to be a mix of learning and fun! Registration for African Women in Leadership Conference is on-going via www.awlo.org/anniversary. African Women in Leadership Conference is a case of ‘birds of a feather flocking together’. Whereas it is important to talk about women forming think-tanks and support systems, it is more important to have them actually do it.