ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians hold symposium on women’s leadership

The Economic Community of West African States Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) launched the first edition of Women and Girls Leadership Symposium under the theme “Unleashing the Potentials of Women and Girls in Politics and Entrepreneurship” on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

During the symposium, women and girls were sensitized on the need to leverage knowledge in times of crisis, leadership and entrepreneurship tips for start-ups, self-esteem, public speaking, nurturing and building a sustainable political career, while leveraging digital skills.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Roukayatou Goury, representative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Buhari, noted that the Symposium is a major milestone towards promoting women and girls’ participation in politics in West African region.

The Association also seized the opportunity to equip young girls and boys with laptops donated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). 

ECOFEPA aims to support and encourage ECOWAS community programs that promote gender-based social, economic and cultural development.

Created in 2002, the Association comprises female parliamentarians of the ECOWAS Parliament. 21 of the 115 members of the Community Parliament are female, i.e. 18.26% of the total number.