International Work
Supporting the Commonwealth’s Women In Leadership
Advocacy Events in Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
Women’s Leadership Advocacy Event
Theme : 21st Century Governance
Date : 10 – 11 June, 2015
Venue : Hotel Royal Orchid Azure
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s new research highlighted the persistent lack of gender diversity in both public and private sector leadership.
To address this issue, the Commonwealth in partnership with the UN Women Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) organized a two-day Women in Leadership Forum in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss the findings and consider solutions.
The Forum brought together local, regional and international organisations, campaigning groups and government officials. The event was aimed at prioritizing empowering women across Africa.
Themed “21st Century Governance, LeadWomen’s CEO, Anne Abraham, who was the keynote speaker, said: “A more collaborative model of corporate governance that embraces corporate responsibility and sustainability is driving the need for new board leadership today, one that is gender diverse and inclusive.”
“The ‘feminisation’ of board leadership competencies will be critical because the 21st century global governance calls for collaborative governance. Leaders must leverage their fiduciary duty beyond the bottom line to create more ethical, transformative and sustainable organisations.”
She gave Malaysia as a good example of countries that have increased women representation on the boards from 7.6% in 2012 to 10.2% in 2015.
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Women’s Leadership Advocacy Event
Theme : Shifting Gears
Date : 22-23 June, 2016
Venue : Hyatt Regency Hotel
The Commonwealth, Gender Section, has embarked on another initiative to put more women in leadership positions of public and private sector organisations in Tanzania.
Launched on 22 June, the project would include advocacy, long-term assistance to local initiatives, and support to government to ensure that legislation, policies and programmes take into account the different implications for women and men.
Again, LeadWomen was invited to be part of the first Advocacy event of this project, held on 23-24 June, 2016 at Hyatt Regency Hotel.
LeadWomen’s CEO, Anne Abraham shared some of the best practices, approaches and solutions implemented by countries around the world. Relating the Malaysian’s WOB experience, Anne advocated a unified approach, emphasizing the role of strategic partnerships between governments and the private sector. She commented that Tanzanians need to take the lead in crafting out the approach and solution which work best for their environment.
The two-day conference was led by the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Ministry of Healthcare, Gender, Community Development, Elders and Children, and other organization partners.
Event Coverage
The most current events and news from Kenya and Tanzania on Women’s Leadership Advocacy projects.
1) Breaking the glass ceiling in public and private sector leadership
2) Club meet wants Tanzania to have more women leaders
3) Be models to others, women leaders told