…train over 200 young women leaders

By Gloria Ikibah

Women parliamentarians from across West Africa, under the umbrella of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), are advocating for a minimum of 30 per cent female inclusion in governance structures throughout the region.

They believe that increased participation of women in leadership will play a vital role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

The group is also pressing for a woman to be elected as the next President of the ECOWAS Commission, as they argued that such a move will advance inclusive leadership and reinforce democratic values within the subregion.

This position was made known in Abuja during a three-day workshop focused on strengthening women’s influence within political parties and parliaments across West Africa and the Sahel.

Hon. Veronika Sisay, who leads the Female Caucus in the ECOWAS Parliament and represents Sierra Leone, noted that the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of women capable of shaping policy and driving political change in their countries.

She noted that although female representation in the ECOWAS Parliament currently stands at 25 per cent, ongoing efforts are geared towards reaching the 30 per cent target set by regional frameworks. She pointed to Sierra Leone’s achievement of this benchmark, encouraging other member states to follow suit.

Naijablitznews.com reports that over 200 young women leaders participated in the mentoring programme held alongside the workshop, aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles at national and regional levels.

She said:: “In my country, Sierra Leone, we have clocked the 30 percent already.

“Initially, we had 14 percent, but we worked hard to meet the target, and now we are even working to increase it in the next elections in 2028. It was not an easy journey, but we did it. So we are encouraging other ECOWAS countries to follow our steps and ensure women’s representation is not just a policy on paper but a reality.”

Sisay emphasised that the mentoring programme was aimed at catching them young, to encourage young women to take leadership roles early and change the perception that politics is a dirty game.

“We are advocating for a woman President of the ECOWAS Commission. Let history record that under the current chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS took a groundbreaking step towards inclusive leadership by appointing the first female Commission President.

“Women are the best security. We are not just fighting for 30 percent for its sake. Women are partners in development and powerful instruments for progress. If only the men can give us a chance to work side by side with them, we can do it better.

“Women have always been at the heart of peace processes in West Africa; from rebuilding communities affected by conflict to ensuring food security and education for children. Yet, our voices remain underrepresented in key decision-making spaces. We want to change that narrative”, she added.

Speaking on the reason for mentorship, she said, “After we have left, they will take our steps. We want them to learn early because politics is not dirty; it’s a platform to make impact and transform lives.

“Our goal is to build a bridge between today’s women leaders and the next generation, so that when it’s their turn, they will already have the experience, confidence, and network to lead effectively.”

Also speaking, Regional President ofECOWAS Network of Young Women Leaders, Miatta Garmai Warwolor, explained that the gathering formed part of a structured mentorship scheme designed to connect experienced women parliamentarians with upcoming female leaders from across West Africa and the Sahel.

She noted that more than 200 young women from ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia and Senegal, were selected through national networks and political party nominations to take part in the programme.

“We are here for a simulation session where young women leaders from across the region exchange knowledge with ECOWAS female parliamentarians. The goal is to build their capacity, interest, and confidence in political leadership.

“We hope to make this an annual event and a continuous process of bilateral mentorship between women parliamentarians and young leaders,” Warwolor stated.

In her remarks, President of the West African Network of Young Women Leaders (Ivory Coast), Koko Tomia Aude, stressed that the initiative offers a pathway for women to take their place in decision-making spaces and to drive greater gender inclusion.

“We want a 30 percent quota that will allow us to work in all spheres of decision-making. The moment is now for all women to be engaged, to lead their communities, and to change social norms. Women’s leadership is not optional; it is necessary for sustainable development”, she stated.

Regional Vice President of the West Africa Youth Assembly and President of Project Nigeria, Awehi Hope Gabriel, described the experience as a powerful source of encouragement for young women in politics.

“As a young woman in politics, this experience has broadened my understanding of leadership. It has shown us that we can aspire for positions at the highest levels of governance and still stay true to our values. The mentorship has renewed our courage to participate and lead change in our societies”, she said.

The three-day event in Abuja convened had young women leaders from ECOWAS and Sahel countries for leadership training and mentorship sessions with female lawmakers of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The engagement with ECOWAS female parliamentarians (ECOFEPA) was jointly organised by the Network of Young Female Leaders (ROAJELF) in partnership with the ECOWAS Gender and Development Centre (EGDC), the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace Security and Governance (EPSG) project, UN Women, and UNOWAS.

Funding was provided through the EPSG Project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with ECOWAS. The initiative is commissioned by the German Government and co-funded by the European Union.