The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) continues to champion gender equality and women’s empowerment across Africa. Recently, FAWE Mali, FAWE Togo, and FAWE Cameroon, represented by their respective National Coordinators, participated in an international convening hosted by International IDEA. This pivotal meeting, titled “Regional Dialogue on Advancing Gender Transformative Social Norms to Strengthen Women’s and Youth’s Participation and Representation in Leadership and Decision-Making in the ECOWAS and Sahel Regions,” marked a significant step forward in the discourse on inclusive governance.

A Crucial Platform for Advocacy and Change
The regional dialogue brought together key stakeholders, experts, policymakers, and advocates to analyze and advance strategies for gender-responsive leadership. FAWE Mali was given the prestigious role of moderating the first session, which delved into the foundational context of gender parity in leadership across the ECOWAS and Sahel regions. The session centered around two pivotal questions:
1. What is the current state of women’s and youth’s participation and representation in leadership and decision-making at all levels?
2. What is the nature of legal frameworks, political and electoral systems, and political parties in supporting gender equity?

With representatives from eight Francophone countries, the discussions provided a comprehensive overview of the progress made, the persistent challenges, and the opportunities for gender-inclusive policies and practices in governance.

Insights from the Dialogue: Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways Forward
The session underscored a range of critical insights:

– Progress and Achievements: Some countries have made strides in gender representation through quota systems, affirmative action policies, and legal frameworks promoting women’s leadership.
– Ongoing Challenges: Barriers such as sociocultural norms, limited access to education, economic constraints, and political resistance continue to hinder full participation.
– Opportunities for Growth: Strengthening education systems, mentorship programs, and political literacy were identified as essential tools to enhance female leadership.
– Future Perspectives: Sustainable transformation requires legal reforms, stronger political will, and community engagement to shift deep-seated biases and create inclusive spaces for women and youth.

Education as a Pillar for Gender-Transformative Leadership
A resounding theme throughout the discussions was the critical role of education in shaping future women leaders. The dialogue emphasized the importance of ensuring girls’ access to and retention in schools, which serves as the foundation for equipping them with leadership competencies and gender-transformative skills. Without quality education, achieving long-term gender parity in leadership and decision-making remains a challenge.

FAWE’s Commitment to Driving Change
Through active participation in this international dialogue, FAWE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and women’s leadership. By integrating advocacy with education initiatives, FAWE aims to:
– Promote gender-responsive curricula that empower young girls with the skills and confidence to aspire to leadership roles.
– Engage policymakers to advocate for educational reforms and policies that support gender equality.
– Develop mentorship programs connecting young women with role models in leadership positions.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Advocacy for Women’s Representation
As the discussions concluded, FAWE Mali, FAWE Togo, and FAWE Cameroon echoed a shared vision for the future—one where women and youth are not just participants but leaders in decision-making spaces. This dialogue served as a powerful reminder that true progress in gender equity is only possible through collaborative efforts, robust education systems, and sustained advocacy.

FAWE remains steadfast in its mission to break barriers, shift mindsets, and create an Africa where every girl has the opportunity to lead. The journey continues, and with each step forward, we move closer to a future of inclusive governance and transformative leadership.
Followed by a courtesy visit to the Africa and Central Sub-Regional Office of the Regional Secretariat to demonstrate their commitment and solidarity that unites FAWE chapters across West and Central Africa. These exchanges strengthen our collaboration and our common vision of inclusive and quality education. All this for the success of FAWE. Caption: Dr. Bity Diene, WASRO Coordinator; Fatimata Kane, WASRO Program Officer; Dr. Koly Fall, KM Officer; Anselme SODJI, FAWE Togo; Mrs. Gwendoline Arrika E. E. Ayuk, FAWE Cameroon