18 November 2024 (MOMBASA, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its Leadership Academy (ILA), has launched a Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop under the theme “Mentoring Young Women for Leadership and Resilient Peace.” The workshop aims to empower young women leaders across IGAD member states to strengthen their roles in governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with IGAD’s overarching goal of achieving peace, prosperity, and regional integration. Recognising the low representation of women in leadership within the region, the training programme underscores the importance of including women in decision-making and peace processes, addressing critical gaps in leadership and governance.
In a speech delivered on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Josephat Onyari, IGAD Director of Finance and Administration, highlighted the transformative potential of empowering women in leadership roles. “This training amplifies IGAD’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and women’s empowerment. Women are powerful agents of transformation and a voice for peace. To achieve resilient peace, our region yearns for more women leaders, mediators, negotiators, and signatories in peace deals,” he said. He further emphasised, “Mentoring young leaders of integrity who respect the rule of law, democracy, and human rights is central to IGAD’s vision. Today, we take a significant step forward in this mission.”
The three-day workshop focuses on equipping aspiring and active women leaders with leadership competencies, communication skills, and strategies for overcoming barriers to political participation. It also highlights mentorship and coaching as essential tools for fostering sustainable peace and building resilient societies.
Dr Simon Nyambura, Director of the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE), also addressed the participants, underscoring the broader significance of leadership training. “Most of the problems that Africa faces are related to leadership. We need visionary leaders who are responsive to the needs of the people. These are the kind of leaders that the Academy endeavours to nurture,” he remarked. He further commended the participants, stating, “This training is not just about building individual skills but about transforming the collective leadership landscape of the region. Together, we can make equality and peace a reality.”
The training has brought together 32 women leaders from IGAD member states, drawing participants from youth and women leadership networks, civil society, and professional organisations. It represents a step towards gender-balanced leadership and sustainable peace in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Ms Prisca Oluoch, Director of Linkages, Partnerships and Collaborations, reaffirmed KSG’s support for the initiative. “The Kenya School of Government is passionate about good governance. We shall give the Academy all the support needed,” she said.
The training, supported by the Government of Japan, underscores a shared commitment to empowering women leaders and fostering resilient peace across the region. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, through Mr Josephat Onyari, extended his gratitude to Japan and the Kenya School of Government for their invaluable contributions to this landmark initiative.
“Today, we see the future of our region taking shape. The participants of this training form a valued network of ILA ambassadors, brilliant women whose impact will be felt far and wide,” the speech concluded.
This regional initiative sets the stage for greater inclusion and demonstrates that mentoring women for leadership is a crucial step towards achieving prosperity and stability in the region.
