The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) has recently introduced its fourth cohort of Amujae Leaders, a group of 13 exceptional women from various African countries. These women are set to redefine public leadership and join the prestigious Amujae Initiative, which was launched in 2020 by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The Amujae Leaders, who come from nations like Tunisia, Lesotho, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, are already making significant strides in governance, justice, and social change, embodying a bold and inclusive vision for the future of the continent.
The Amujae Initiative is not just a program; it is a movement that provides women with mentorship, coaching, and a powerful Pan-African network to enhance their impact. These women, ranging from parliamentarians to mayors, are actively addressing systemic barriers. Despite the global statistics showing that women hold only 27.2% of parliamentary seats and that only 15 African countries meet the 30% benchmark for women’s representation, the Amujae Leaders are proving that change is indeed possible. They are not waiting for tomorrow; they are shaping today.
This cohort of leaders includes remarkable women such as Sahar Albazar from Egypt, a parliamentarian advocating for youth and women’s issues, and Rohey Malick Lowe, The Gambia’s first female mayor, who is championing sustainable urban development. Aya Chebbi from Tunisia, the African Union’s first Special Envoy on Youth, is amplifying youth voices in policy-making. Dr. Haja Ramatu Wurie, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, is advocating for equitable education, while Rwanda’s Patrice Uwase, an engineer, is driving sustainable infrastructure projects. Each leader brings unique expertise, from public health to youth empowerment, united by a shared commitment to transformative governance.
The announcement of the new cohort comes at a critical time when a USAID funding freeze and a significant drop in global development aid are threatening gender equality programs, putting decades of progress at risk. Despite these challenges, the EJS Center remains resolute in ensuring that African women leaders have the necessary tools and visibility to thrive. As Ellen Johnson Sirleaf aptly stated, “These women are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today, and they are helping to reshape the future of our continent.”
It is crucial for us to support initiatives like Amujae in order to amplify women’s voices and foster a more inclusive Africa. To learn more about these inspiring leaders and join the movement, visit ejscenter.org. Let us stand together and support these trailblazing women who are shaping the present and future of Africa.
