-To Boost Women’s Leadership In West Africa
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, has called on West African governments and regional bodies to move beyond declarations and implement concrete reforms that expand opportunities for women in political decision-making.
Howard-Taylor made the remarks Thursday at the West Africa Women’s Political Leadership Forum in Abuja, convened under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Political Participation and Leadership in West Africa.” The forum brings together women leaders, parliamentarians, policymakers, development partners, and regional institutions committed to advancing women’s political representation across the region.
In her goodwill message, Howard-Taylor emphasized that Africa’s democratic future depends on unlocking the full leadership potential of its women. She reflected on her own journey as Liberia’s first elected female Vice President, former Senator, First Lady, and political leader, noting that while women have demonstrated exceptional leadership across every sector, significant structural barriers continue to limit their political participation.
“Women’s political inclusion is not merely a matter of equity; it is a strategic imperative for building peaceful societies, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountable governance, and accelerating sustainable development across Africa,” Howard-Taylor said.
She called upon governments, political parties, regional organizations, and development partners to embrace reforms that enable women to contest elections, lead political institutions, and influence national policy.
Howard-Taylor also stressed the importance of investing in the next generation of African women leaders through quality education, mentorship, leadership development, digital innovation, and economic empowerment.
“Our responsibility is not only to create opportunities for today’s women leaders but also to prepare those who will lead Africa tomorrow,” she said.
She paid special tribute to Her Excellency Senator Chantal Fanny Moussokoura of Côte d’Ivoire, President of ECOFEPA, for her leadership in advancing women’s political representation throughout the region.
Howard-Taylor expressed appreciation to the African Women Leaders Network, ECOWAS, the African Union, UNDP, ECOFEPA, and all partners for organizing the forum.
“The true measure of leadership is not the office we occupy, but the doors we open for those who follow,” she said. “Every woman who rises with integrity becomes a bridge upon which countless others can cross.”
Howard-Taylor, who serves as Chairperson of the African Women in Leadership Organisation Global Board, expressed confidence that the forum will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action and stronger regional collaboration to transform commitments into measurable progress for women across West Africa.
