In March 2026, I led the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development to the 70th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York for

On 17 February 2026, Africa’s first democratically elected female president, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, joined Kenyan lawmakers, academics, civil society representatives and media experts in Nairobi for a

On October 29, 2025, Tanzania voted for a president and members of the National Assembly. Following the passing of President John Magufuli in 2021, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan took

On October 12, Cameroonians headed to the polls for the 2025 presidential election. Cameroon, where half of the population is under 30, is led by the world’s oldest president. Over

As world leaders, philanthropists, and change-makers gathered for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS

The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development is proud to welcome 13 remarkable women to the Amujae Initiative—our flagship program dedicated to supporting highly accomplished women public

Chad marked a significant step in concluding its political transition with National Assembly elections held on December 29, 2024. Following these elections, women now occupy 34% of the seats in

Senegal stands out on the African continent, ranking fifth for the highest share of women in parliament, with over 40% female representation. However, the landscape of gender parity in Senegalese

Violence against women and girls remains one of Africa’s most urgent human rights issues. In a groundbreaking moment at the 38th AU Summit, the African Union adopted the Convention on

In a recent conversation with the George W. Bush Presidential Center, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shared profound insights on the challenges and opportunities of democratic leadership and the transformative

Ghanaians will head to the polls tomorrow to elect a new President and legislature for a four-year term. With incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ineligible for re-election after two

With 80.5% of its gender gap closed, Namibia ranks in the top 10 of the latest Global Gender Gap Report and is Africa’s best performer. The country has a remarkable

In June 2015, Mauritius marked a historic moment when a woman acting president transferred power to a woman elected president. Nearly a decade has passed since Ameenah Gurib-Fakim became President

Only 15 countries in the world have achieved gender parity in their cabinets. Since 2022, Mozambique is among the few with at least 50% of  cabinet ministers being women. The

Tunisia is an interesting example of a pioneer country which introduced its first gender quota at a time when many African nations were still going through political instability and gender

South Africa consistently ranks among the top 10 countries for women’s representation in Cabinet positions and top 20 in the national legislature globally.  However, this year, following a historic election

20 years ago, Hanoune made history as the first woman to run for president in Algeria, and she remains the only woman to have done so. This raises important questions:

Widely regarded as a champion nation of gender equality in political representation, Rwanda is the country with the highest representation of women in the national legislature. Women make up more

In a world frequently marked by political divides, Africa Day is a celebration of unity across the African continent, transcending ideologies and affiliations. It’s a day when Africans unite to

Gender equality is the key foundation of a sustainable and prosperous world, and it’s fundamental to tackling many of the crises the world faces today.  Representing half of the world’s

Opening pathways for women’s participation in public leadership in Africa is both an expression of equity and a catalyst for prosperity. Since the inception of our flagship program, the Amujae

Solid and inclusive democratic systems are built on equal representation in all branches of government, with provisions allowing women’s voices to be heard across the political arena. The representation of

Our world is beset by intersecting crises and challenges that are leaving women at risk of poverty and all forms of hardships. Economic and geopolitical instability, as well as environmental

This year is a year like no other for democracy. More than half of the world’s population will head to the polls in 2024. Votes will be cast in local

Education is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for progress and development. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions enshrine the right to education for all

Women’s participation in politics and their full representation in public leadership roles are imperative for the effective functioning of democratic systems and the fulfillment of sustainable development. With more women

With its unparalleled and diverse natural resources and youthful population, Africa is a continent that holds enormous potential and promise. Home to the youngest demographic on the planet, African nations

Championing women’s leadership and equal representation in public and private life is a mission that the EJS Center is determined to advance in Liberia and across the African continent. Every

Climate change is an existential threat to our planet but its impacts aren’t yet felt in equal measure everywhere. Unprecedented natural disasters and extreme weather events are wreaking havoc, especially

The contribution of women human rights defenders to peacebuilding and security in conflict, post-conflict, and crisis-affected settings is nothing short of transformative. Whether individually or collectively, women create the conditions

Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi received this year’s Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. She is the 19th woman to win

Creating meaningful progress toward gender equality cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of the communities most affected by inequities and where grassroots change is most dynamic and effective. With

Gender equality is a powerful catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By including women in decision-making processes and advancing women’s leadership across public governance, progress can be achieved

The recent 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) brought into focus the slow progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. Held against a

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is holding its 78th session this year at a time when people and the planet are facing escalating challenges. This month in North Africa, a

Of all the world’s regions, Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Yet, the African continent is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of the climate

Bias against women remains one of the most prominent obstacles to achieving global gender parity. Whether expressed through social norms or discriminatory practices, gender bias is stifling women’s role as

Every day, humanitarian workers around the world face significant risks as they deliver relief and support to those in need. They act with selfless determination to serve people and communities

As a key driver of prosperity and development, education has transformed communities and societies worldwide and contributed to reducing poverty, inequalities, and social exclusion. Early education is a particularly powerful

Equitable and just societies cannot flourish if women are not able to take their rightful place at the decision-making table. Representing half of the world’s population, their contribution to public

Young women leaders are shaking up the public governance landscape across Africa. Learning from the experience of the women leaders who preceded them, they are overcoming obstacles and creating new

  The month of May this year saw Africans from across the continent celebrate unity and heritage. Culminating in Africa Day on 25 May, Africa Month is an opportunity to

“Data in the context of African development is critical to formulating evidence-based policies,” stressed former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf when speaking on achieving justice and equity in Africa at this

Environmental crises disproportionately impact women and girls. In Africa and around the world, current climate and biodiversity challenges exacerbate existing gender inequalities and put a heavy burden on the shoulders

The African continent boasts some of the world’s most outstanding cultural and natural sites. It is home to iconic wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty, and hosts a quarter of global

“No one is safe, until everyone is safe” are the cautionary words from Amujae Leader, Bogolo J. Kenewendo, in her recent piece for global news opinion site Project Syndicate. Addressing

The participation of women in political life brings about positive transformations that benefit society as a whole, from building lasting peace to promoting inclusive policies and equitable development. Liberia, which

For generations, Liberian women have led innovations that spark advancements in every sphere of life. By challenging gender inequities and advocating for underserved communities, they effect transformative impact on healthcare,

African women continue to make strides in public leadership by overcoming systemic barriers and challenging gender bias. The EJS Center’s Amujae Leaders are prime examples of accomplished African women who

On this International Women’s Day, we are celebrating three years since the inception of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center). We also continue to

As Nigerians head to the polls to elect their next president and state governors, progress toward greater representation of women in public leadership remains slow. The EJS Center’s Data Hub

Achieving peace and silencing the guns of conflict across Africa are critical if the continent is to achieve its full potential. In a keynote address at the Chatham House ‘Silencing

Advancing gender equality in science is fundamental to building a sustainable and just future where women and girls are no longer sidelined in scientific and technological fields. This year, the

In its latest report, the World Economic Forum projected that, at the current pace of change, closing the gender gap will take 132 years. The sobering conclusion reached in its

With their trailblazing achievements in various spheres of public leadership, Amujae Leaders are role models for many African women and girls who aspire to take on the mantle of leadership

The EJS Center recently spoke with Amujae Leader Umra Omar about the current challenges faced by rural women and girls in the Lamu Archipelago, and how, through her work with

Representing the Ministry of Finance at the opening session of the Tax for Development Conference hosted by the International Centre for Tax and Development and the Budget Advocacy Network in

Speaking with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on his podcast ‘Clear the Air’, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reflected on her journey so far and discussed her ambitions for Freetown and the future

Women’s access to leadership positions is needed more than ever amid the current global challenges we face. Delivering a message of support for women leaders in Africa and across the

To discuss women’s critical role at the highest levels of leadership, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf joined former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Prime Minister of

With the COP27 climate talks taking place on African soil in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, trailblazing Amujae Leaders were among African women leaders at the forefront of key climate discussions.

On the 62nd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, a group of prominent Nigerian women from all walks of life reflected on their country’s journey through the past six decades, and expressed

With a loan portfolio fully dedicated to women, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) is playing an active role in helping women entrepreneurs build and grow their own businesses.

Our Director of Programs, Rumbidzai Chisenga, offered an insightful perspective on the critical role of data in the fight for gender equality.

Rapid urbanization and the global climate change crisis are significant challenges that policymakers must urgently address if cities around the world are to contemplate a productive and sustainable future.

“There can be no global impact without local community input, buy-in, and implementation,” stated Amujae Leader and Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr during her intervention at the Bill

Africa has been disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change and has an essential part to play in climate discussions, ensuring just and well-financed sustainable growth across the continent.

Leading Ladies’ Network—a Ghana-based nonprofit organization founded by Amujae Leader Yawa Hansen-Quao to help young women acquire life skills and achieve their leadership potential—recently organized a reception in honor of

Literacy is an essential component of sustainable and inclusive societies. It is key to making our world a more prosperous and peaceful one.

Are young Sierra Leoneans given the support they need to make their mark and thrive in the global economy? Can entrepreneurship, vocational education, and training empower them to succeed and

Amujae Leader Bogolo Kenewendo and a team of leading experts wrote an article recently on how ‘regenerative agriculture,’ which aims to have a minimal environmental impact, can be adapted to

Amujae Leader Dr. Adaeze Oreh—Country Head of Planning, Research, and Statistics for Nigeria’s National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS)—has published a new research paper on the current state of maternal health

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is crucial for the continent’s economic development and growth.

Some of Africa's most accomplished women leaders gathered recently under one roof at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Italy to reflect on their leadership journey, exchange experiences, receive mentorship,

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are inalienable human rights and essential components of gender justice.

Since her time as a practicing constitutional lawyer, to becoming an independent parliamentary candidate, and now as a leading figure in the country’s opposition, Amujae Leader and Advocate Fadzayi Mahere

With hard work and determination, she forged a path to success in the private and public sectors in her country of Nigeria. Now, Amujae Leader Ifeyinwa Maureen Okafor is using

African women are making headways in the financial sector and can become the driving force of the continent’s economic growth. Delivering a keynote speech at the ceremony, the EJS Center

As part of its ongoing effort to chart the progress of women’s public leadership across Africa, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) has published

For Amujae Leader Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, innovation in governance is about finding creative ways to bring about transformative change for both the public and private sectors.

The time to change the conversation around women’s economic empowerment and participation in decision-making processes has come, said Amujae Leader Dr. Yakama Manty Jones.

Women represent one of the most vulnerable population groups when it comes to the threat of climate change and must be given priority in local climate action plans.

Stressing the need to include women and young people in the healthcare leadership space, Amujae Leader Umra Omar took to the stage at a recent session of the World Economic

How can data play a role in helping women rise to positions of power?

More and more women are overcoming the systemic barriers that hamper progress toward gender parity. The courage and strength of such women has been emphasized by former President Ellen Johnson

Through her foundation, Amujae Leader Dr. Yakama Manty Jones is helping to change lives by supporting school children with access to learning materials that give them a head start in

Women are an asset to the economy of African nations and can bring added value to the continent’s development.

“Gender equality makes economic sense,” is the message put forward by Amujae Leader Malado Kaba in an interview with Cheikh Anta Diop University’s radio station ‘UCAD FM’ in Dakar, Senegal.

Africans around the world have a responsibility for ensuring the prosperity of the continent. Pooling their resources and creating networks to find solutions to the most pertinent problems can help

One year after their report in which they put forward recommendations for transforming the international system for pandemic preparedness and response, the co-chairs of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness

Writing in an op-ed published in African Business, Malado Kaba offered a road map to African policymakers on how best to help their governments meet their financial obligations during the