By Nia Okonkwo, African Correspondent
Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde has urged African nations to ensure women occupy positions of real authority, stressing that the continent’s transformative progress depends on female leaders holding legislative and executive power.
Delivering a keynote address at the Inspiring Woman Africa Series 14 in Lagos on Thursday, themed “Leadership Redefined: Charting New Paths to Excellence”, Zewde emphasized that symbolic gestures are not enough.
“In order to bring substantive change, women have to be in power. If she doesn’t have the power to legislate or execute, it will just remain ticking boxes,” she declared.
Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female president (2018–2024), reflected on her diplomatic journey and her historic role as the first African woman to lead a UN peacebuilding mission. She underscored the importance of women telling their own stories:
“If a woman doesn’t talk about herself, doesn’t tell her story, nobody will.”
She also called for solidarity among women, urging them to support one another across borders, particularly in conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
Her message was clear: women must not only contest elections but also be elected, noting the irony that women constitute the majority of voters yet remain underrepresented in political offices.
Closing her speech, Zewde inspired the audience with her own trajectory:
“Anything is possible, and the sky is the limit. I was 37 when I was appointed ambassador for the first time. From that time on, I’ve been called ‘Your Excellency.’ If it happened for me, it can happen for you too.”
Government Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, joined virtually, affirming the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening systems that empower women nationwide.
She described women as “architects of new possibilities” and highlighted initiatives such as the Social Impact Intervention Programme 774, designed to reach every local government area with targeted support. She also promoted the ministry’s flagship digital platform, which provides verified information, economic opportunities, mental health resources, and safety networks.
Voices from the Conference
- Angela Emuwa, Chairman of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, emphasized perseverance and empathy in leadership, urging women to invest in themselves and remain determined.
- Chinwe Iloghalu, Acting MD/CEO of Nova Bank, spoke on leadership in financial services, noting how AI and machine learning are reshaping banking efficiency and customer expectations.
Inspiring Woman Africa
Founded by award-winning media professional Kemi Ajumobi, Inspiring Woman Africa continues to serve as a pan-African platform amplifying women’s voices and fostering resilience, inclusion, and ingenuity through conferences, publications, and mentorship initiatives.