In a bid to project more women into prominent leadership positions and advocate for gender equality, the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) is set to host a HeForShe summit tagged “Investing in Women, Closing the Representation Gap” on the 7th of March, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria.
The AWLO are also set to host a special one-million man walk on the 6th of March, 2024 from the Ibom Hall to Wellington Bassey Way Roundabout, Uyo.
The Walk is targeted at highlighting and addressing the issues causing gender disparities in governance, and harnessing the influence of men in facilitating a transformative change that promotes women’s active participation in governance.
According to the founder and Global President, AWLO, Dr. Elisha Attai, the walk is set to raise awareness and eliminate gender-based violence, which is a serious violation of human rights and a major public health problem.
“It is a solidarity movement for gender equality developed to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change to achieve gender equality.”
Dr. Attai further noted that the upcoming summit is set to discuss the importance of closing the representation gap, and provide a platform for thought leaders and experts to share insights on the benefits of gender-inclusive governance.
“The summit will seek to empower men to actively advocate for and support women’s increased representation in political and leadership roles. One of the campaign’s main objectives is to encourage collaborative efforts among men, organisations, and communities to develop actionable strategies for closing the representation gap.”
He added that the upcoming walk and the HeForShe summit fully align with the Organisation’s objectives to further advance the leadership status of women.
“AWLO has continued to seek the advancement of the status of women in leadership by creating an empowering platform and harnessing the synergies of the alliance. It is a cohesive and inclusive organization driven by a membership of dynamic women of worth, with a mission to bring together female executives, professionals, and leaders for the greater good and to fulfill the objectives of the organisation.”
The HeForShe summit has been birthed from the total understanding that governance which includes women often results in a prioritization of health and education initiatives. It is set to feature a long list of prominent speakers including the President-at-Large, BUSH HOUSE Nigeria, Michael Bush, Former Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, ADR and Social Conflict Management Expert, Emem Ette, Founder and Global Executive Chairman VisionAfric and AIRO, Dr. Favour Ayodele, Transformational/Clarity Coach, Theodora Ayeni, and President, ECOWAS FEBWE Nigeria and AWLO Inter-Governmental, Princess Omotola Omole.
More notable speakers include the Chairman, TAF Media Group Operator of Planet FM, Tangsio and Spectrum TV, Tony Afia, CEO/Founder, Unipro Investments Limited, David Raymond Edet, Nigerian King of Comedy, AWLO HeForShe Champion, Alibaba Akpobome, Head Consultant, KUKJURUKU Incorporated, Edi Lawani, President of Silverbird Group, Guy Murray Bruce, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Transition Chairman, Nsit Attai LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Emem Ibanga, and Director of Airline Services, Ibom Air – HeForShe Summit Speaker, Amaka Echetabu.
This exceptional array of speakers will dissect several key subject areas including Championing Gender-Equitable Leadership, Leading by Example, and Raising a Woman Leader.
Women in leadership positions serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations, and the AWLO one-million walk and the HeForShe Summit are set to challenge stereotypes and empower young girls to aspire to leadership roles, contributing to the creation of a more equitable and balanced society.
