KIGALI, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership was formally launched on Monday in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, with an inaugural cohort of 40 women from Africa and the Caribbean.
The leadership academy was inaugurated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the African Union Commission, and the African Women Leaders Network, in partnership with the African School of Governance (ASG).
The first cohort includes ministers, legislators, mayors, and party leaders, according to the ASG, one of the event organisers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jide Okeke, director of the Regional Program for Africa at UNDP, said that the inaugural cohort should recognize that true leadership is measured not only by how far individuals advance, but also by how many women they empower and bring along with them.
"Africa has never lacked capable women leaders. What has often been missing is an ecosystem that intentionally prepares, mentors, accompanies, and supports women throughout their leadership journey," said Bineta Diop, former African Union special envoy on Women, Peace and Security.
She added that the academy is a continental platform to equip, mentor, and accompany Africa's next generation of women leaders, building the partnerships, sisterhood, and support systems needed to strengthen governance, advance peace, and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.
The ASG said in a statement that participants will engage with modules, including political leadership and governance, strategic communications, coalition-building, legislative processes, campaign financing, and ethical leadership.
The academy is a four-week blended program combining virtual learning modules with a residential convening. The learners have been selected through a merit-based, open nomination process.
