Monrovia — Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has issued a powerful call for African women to step boldly into leadership, declaring that the continent does not suffer from a lack of visionary women but from insufficient structures and support systems to help them thrive.
By Patience M. Jones, patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking at the opening of the Amujae Leadership Forum Cohort V, convened by the Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia, Madam Sirleaf urged the newly selected women leaders to embrace courage, integrity, collaboration, and determination as they navigate their leadership journeys.
Held under the theme “From Vision to Vanguard: Women Redefining African Leadership,” the forum brought together 15 women leaders from 14 African countries, selected from a highly competitive pool of 578 applicants.
With the induction of the fifth cohort, the Amujae Initiative now boasts 70 women leaders across 29 African countries.
“I See Power, Not Potential”
Addressing the incoming cohort, Madam Sirleaf emphasized the importance of building a stronger pipeline of women leaders across Africa.
“Africa does not lack women of vision. It has never lacked them. What it has lacked are the structures, the networks and the institutional backing to carry those women from promise to impact,” Madam Sirleaf stated.
“When I look at this room – 15 women from 14 countries, each of them already leading, already building, already refusing to be told no – I do not see potential. I see power.”
She reminded the women that leadership requires more than ambition, highlighting what she described as the “powers” that shape successful leaders: purpose, knowledge, self-confidence, collaboration, truth, courage, determination, compassion and faith.
“You need the power of courage to rise despite your fears. When you run into obstacles and face failure, you don’t slip back. You recalibrate. You readjust. What looks like failure becomes just the other side of success.”
Drawing from her own political experience, Sirleaf reflected on setbacks she faced before becoming Africa’s first elected female president.
“I didn’t become president the first time I ran. There were failures. But failure taught me how to reshape my journey and try again.”
She further encouraged the women to lift others as they rise. “The best thing about success is when you’ve reached your goal and you can look back and see behind you those whom you have prepared to achieve theirs.”
Delivering opening remarks, Ellen Pratt-Harris, Executive Director of the EJS Center, highlighted the significance of the initiative in accelerating women’s leadership across Africa.
She noted that it took two decades after Sirleaf’s election before Africa saw another democratically elected female president.
“Those 20 years were a long road, and I think all of you Amujae leaders here today don’t have another 20 years to wait for your place,” Madam Pratt-Harris said.
“That is why this initiative is so important. That is why the work of the EJS Center is so important.”
She encouraged participants to use the forum as an opportunity for reflection, networking, and peer learning while reminding them that they now carry the responsibility of serving as thought leaders in Africa’s development.
“Today you represent 14 countries, and collectively our network now reaches 29 of Africa’s 54 countries. We are positioning you as thought leaders in women’s development across the continent.”
The two-day closed-door forum includes mentorship sessions with Sirleaf, peer exchanges, leadership development workshops, and formal induction into the Amujae network.
In an exclusive interview, Madam Pratt-Harris described the Amujae selection process as highly competitive.
“This year we received 578 applications for just 15 positions. Our applicants come from all around the continent, many of them already well established in their careers.”
She said the growing interest in the initiative demonstrates a pressing need for more leadership opportunities for women in Africa.
“If we could accept all of the applicants, we would. This tells us there is a great need across the continent to continue developing and supporting programs that promote women’s leadership.”
Madam Pratt-Harris also revealed that the EJS Center is looking beyond leadership development to strengthening the broader ecosystem for women leaders.
“Our niche will remain women in public leadership, but there is an ecosystem that must be supported. We are looking at growing the pipeline of women leaders across generations and sectors.”
Encouraging aspiring applicants, she added: “You may not be Amujae-ready today. Do not let that stop your dreams. Learn about the Center, follow our work and continue preparing yourself for leadership opportunities.”
For Marilyn Teta Logan, one of Liberia’s leading women in the energy sector, leadership has required persistence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
She explained that one of her priorities was understanding why the petroleum sector had remained stagnant for years and creating policies that would attract greater investment and participation.
Madam Logan reflected on her professional journey, describing it as preparation for future leadership responsibilities.
“Every aspect of one’s life should be preparation for the next phase. I am transitioning from one phase of my career into another and becoming more intentional about the networks I build and the impact I want to make.”
She described the Amujae Initiative as a strategic platform for women preparing to enter governance and public leadership.
“Amujae is important because it provides the network, mentorship, and support system women need as they move into leadership spaces.”
Business Executive Wadei Powell described the Amujae Initiative as an opportunity to strengthen her transition from private-sector leadership into governance and public service.
She said the program offers women access to a powerful network of experienced leaders and changemakers.
“It’s just the beginning for me. We haven’t even gone into the full program yet, and already I see the value of the relationships and opportunities that Amujae provides.”
Madam Powell encouraged women across Africa not to be intimidated by the prestige of the initiative.
“Don’t be afraid to apply. Sometimes people hear about Amujae and think it’s beyond their reach. But you never know where your strengths will fit within this community.”
She urged aspiring women leaders to remain prepared for opportunities when they arise.
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. If you’re always prepared, when opportunity calls your name, you’ll be ready to answer,” she added.
