African Leaders Unite to Discuss Women’s Leadership, Peace, and Security

African Leaders Unite to Discuss Women’s Leadership, Peace, and Security. A distinguished panel of African leaders has convened for a high-level discussion titled “From Legacy to Leverage: African Leadership and the Future of Women, Peace and Security.” The panel features former Heads of State Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, and South Africa’s Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

The discussion brings together some of the continent’s most influential women leaders, each known for their significant contributions to governance, peacebuilding, and gender equality. The session provides a platform to reflect on Africa’s progress in advancing women’s participation in leadership and conflict resolution, while also addressing the challenges that continue to affect women in peace and security processes.

Central to the dialogue is the question of how Africa can transform the legacy of trailblazing female leadership into concrete, lasting leverage for the next generation. Participants are expected to explore strategies that strengthen women’s inclusion in decision-making, promote accountability in leadership, and ensure that gender perspectives remain integral to policies on peace, governance, and development.

The high-level exchange aligns with ongoing continental and global efforts to achieve the goals of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which calls for greater representation of women at all levels of decision-making in peace processes.

By convening such experienced leaders, the discussion underscores the vital role that women continue to play in shaping Africa’s political and social transformation, and the importance of building systems that sustain their impact beyond their tenure in office.