MILEAD Empowers Dames

The fellows in a group photograph after the launch

AS PART of a year-long programme to engage, inspire and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leaders, Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa (MILEAD), has launched the 2011 Fellows Leadership Institute in Accra.

MILEAD, a non-profit organization headquartered in Nigeria, with offices in Ghana and the United States, is aimed at developing and implementing innovative approaches that advance opportunities for young women and girls by building their knowledge and skills.

The three-week intensive leadership programme is therefore designed to develop women politicians, activists and social entrepreneurs who can help transform institutions and conditions that perpetuate inequality and discrimination against women.

Speaking to 30 young women representing various African countries, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, Executive Board Chairperson of Moremi Initiative and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said in spite of the increasing promise and potential in Africa, the continent still faced some formidable challenges in its efforts to improve the standard of living for its people.

“Sub-Saharan Africa still remains the world’s poorest region, with the health of Africans remaining the worst in the world,” Dr. Aryee noted.

She therefore observed that African countries needed to work together because “no one country, no matter how well resourced, can do it by itself.”

Dr. Aryee therefore tasked the fellows to work together as they go through their training, mentoring, networking, exchange and community service programmes.

“Synergy is the way to go, being in touch with one another is one way Africa can work together,” she noted.

Dr. Aryee further urged the young women to break down barriers and put pressure on those that were in decision making positions “so that we can change the way things are going, so that we can have a diligent standing.”

Justice Irene Charity Dankwa, speaking on behalf of Chief Justice Georgina Wood, emphasized the need to nurture and support the next generation of women leaders in Africa and the Diaspora.

“The choices they make will not only shape their lives but the whole new generation of boys and girls in Africa,” Justice Dankwa said.

She assured the participants that current women leaders would provide the necessary support to maximize their potential.

“With this belief, you can change the course of our community and Africa,” she said.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri