Female Members of the ECOWAS Parliament organize a symposium on Women and Youth Leadership

The second edition of the symposium by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on the theme: “ Women and Youth Leadership: “Unleashing the Potentials of Women and Youth in Politics and Entrepreneurship” took place on Thursday, 6 October 2022 in Lomé, Togo

 This symposium provided a framework for the Women of this Association to discuss with their Togolese Counterparts on issues relating to women representation in politics, involvement of women in entrepreneurship and also to sensitize them on the workings of the ECOWAS Parliament.

While declaring the symposium open, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis, recalled that ECOFEPA since its inception, has been committed to defending “the cause of effective participation of women in the political process with the aim of increasing their number in high-level positions”.

Present at the opening of this symposium, the Togolese Minister of Social Affairs, Women Empowerment and Literacy took the floor to highlight efforts by the Togolese Government and President, Faure Gnassingbé, in the empowerment of Women through legislation and opportunities.

The First Vice-President of ECOFEPA, Biodun Olujimi , spoke during the symposium and welcomed participants to the Meeting.

The Women and Youth Leadership Symposium ended with the handing out of four laptops to four participants selected through raffle draw.

ECOFEPA was formed in 2002 and brings together Women Parliamentarians from the ECOWAS Parliament. 21 out of the 115 Members of the Community Parliament are women, i.e 18.26% of the total number. The Association aims to support and encourage ECOWAS Community programs that promote gender-based social, economic and cultural development.