On February 19, 2025, Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, hosted a landmark event for the representation of women in politics across Africa. A high-level luncheon brought together exceptional women, marking a decisive step in the launch of the AWLN Fund (African Women Leaders Network), aimed at increasing women's presence in public decision-making bodies.
At the heart of this gathering, Sephora Kodjo, a financial inclusion expert and President of the AWLN chapter in Côte d'Ivoire, had the honor of leading the discussions that resulted in the establishment of this ambitious fund. The fund’s objective is to strengthen the involvement of women in decision-making spheres and to encourage their participation in political and economic processes that shape the future of the African continent.
The luncheon brought together several iconic figures from African political history, including former heads of state and leading advocates for women's rights. Among the participants were Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius; and Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic.
Also present at this historic event were Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia and current President of the African Union, along with Bineta Diop, the African Union’s Special Envoy for Women, Peace, and Security. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Vice President of South Africa, were also key participants.
The gathering served as a platform for exchanging experiences and reflections, as well as a moment for fostering synergies among these women leaders who are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for African women. Together, they expressed their collective will to support more women in politics, ensuring that they occupy spaces where they can actively contribute to shaping the decisions that affect the continent’s future.
Sephora Kodjo, with her long-standing commitment to the inclusion of women in both the economy and politics, emphasized the importance of this fund in ensuring that African women have the resources necessary to access leadership positions. “Access to decision-making is fundamental for a more prosperous and just Africa,” she stated during the event.
The AWLN Fund thus represents a strategic turning point for women in Africa, offering a concrete tool to support women politicians in their rise to power while strengthening their involvement in building more democratic and inclusive societies.
This event, rich in symbolism, not only celebrated the remarkable journeys of these leaders but also reinforced the commitment to gender equality across the African continent. The gathering in Addis Ababa clearly demonstrated that united, African women have a crucial role to play in shaping a better future for the continent.
