Moremi Initiative Announces 2013 MILEAD Fellows – Africa’s Most Outstanding Emerging Women Leaders
Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa proudly announces the 2013 MILEAD (Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development) Fellows. The 28 selected MILEAD Fellows represent Africa’s most promising young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of Africa. The Fellows were chosen through a highly competitive selection process and criteria based on their outstanding leadership promise, community service accomplishments, and commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.
“If there is anyone out there who still questions the possibility of Africa to rise again, who wonders if there would ever be another generation of revolutionary African leadership, or simply unsure about Africa’s promise, we have news for you. We made a call for Africa’s 25 most promising young leaders, and over 2,000 young women leaders responded. Not just the selected few, but all the 2000 candidates and the many others like them across the continent, are your answer. They are Africa’s promise.”
MILEAD Selections Committee
The 2013 MILEAD Fellows
The 2013 MILEAD Fellows Representing twenty five African countries and the Diaspora, the 2013 Fellows epitomize a Pan-African diversity with multi-disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds. From poverty to women’s economic empowerment, environmental justice and political participation, this new generation of African women leaders are proof that Africa can produce the bold, visionary and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage. The 2013 Fellows are between the ages of 19 and 25, but are already actively leading change on pertinent issues, both at the grassroots and international level. Here are the honoured 2013 Fellows:
| Ms. Marlène Joannie BEWA (Benin)Ms. Queen Baboloki Kgeresi (Botswana)Ms. Payidwendé F NADEMBEGA (Burkina Faso)
Ms. Comfort Daru Nkiri (Cameroon) Ms. Yasmin Tesfaldet Gebreyesus (Eritrea) Ms. Awa .K Njie (Gambia) Ms. Mawuenana Y. Yomekpe (Ghana) Ms. Hikmat Baba Dua (Ghana) Ms. Khahliso Khama (Lesotho) Ms. Ms. Samfee DOE (Liberia) Ms. Waruguru C. Wanjau (Kenya) Ms. Hadeye Maiga (Mali) Ms. Lusungu Kalanga (Malawi) Ms. Tanyaradzwa_Daringo (Namibia) |
Ms. Somachi Chris-Asoluka (Nigeria)Ms. Oda Dushime (Rwanda)Ms. Fatimata Kane (Senegal)
Ms. Ngozi Cole (Sierra Leone) Ms. Simamkele Dlakavu (South Africa) Ms. Viola J Ukel Abango (South Sudan) Ms. Mai Khidir Fanele Chester(Sudan) Ms. Fanele Chester (Swaziland) Ms. Zainab Abdallah Issa (Tanzania) Ms. Bagayana Sheillah Mutetire (Uganda) Ms. Chisenga Muyoya (Zambia) Ms. Dorothy Pasipanofya(Zimbabwe)  Ms. Obiocha A Ikezogwo (Diaspora/UK) Ms. Shanique Campbell (Diaspora/Jamaica) |
From over 2,120 applications from 44 countries received, the 28 selected Fellows will join the growing MILEAD network of powerful Pan-African change makers – a new generation of young women leaders. We salute all the applicants for their tremendous work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Even though only 28 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all these leaders. We look forward to collaborating with all applicants through other platforms and future programs as we strive to create opportunities and attain dignity and justice for women and girls in our communities and across the continent of Africa.
The 2013 MILEAD Fellows Institute
The Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the yearlong 2013 MILEAD Leadership Institute with a three-week intensive training program, which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. In addition to knowledge building lectures, skills-training workshops, teambuilding exercises, role plays and other interactive activities. Fellows will be mentored by experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders.
About The MILEAD Fellows Program
The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of the year, the selected Fellows progress through three phases. First, identify and prepare Fellows through leadership development, networking, mentoring, and training. Second, promote the visibility and accomplishments of Fellows through media coverage and networking. Lastly, support Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows benefit from a lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.
About Moremi Initiative
Founded in 2004, The Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa strives to engage, inspire, and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs, and change agents- leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimize and perpetuate injustices and discrimination against women. We firmly believe that the full and active participation of women in leadership is a pre-requisite for positive change and development in Africa, and addresses the current problems of leadership imbalances.
Key program partners include, Institute of African Studies- University of Ghana, Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE), Junior Achievement International, The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), The Global Fund for Women, Global Greengrants, OSI- International Women’s Program, The Africa Group Consult, GATE to Africa, Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), WILDAF, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) among others.
For more information, contact Moremi Initiative: Tel: +1 917.327.5235 (USA) +233 242 901222 (GHANA)
F: www.facebook.com/MoremiAfrica E: info@moremiinitiative.org W: www.moremiinitiative.org