Moremi Initiative Announces 2014 MILEAD Fellows –
Africa’s Most Outstanding Emerging Women Leaders
Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa proudly announces the 2014 MILEAD (Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development) Fellows. The twenty-six selected MILEAD Fellows represent Africa’s most promising young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of Africa. The Fellows were chosen through a highly competitive selection processand criteria based on their outstanding leadership promise, community service accomplishments, and commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.
“We are proud to welcome this new class of exceptional emerging leaders into the powerful MILEAD Fellows network of young African women who share a commitment to shape the future of the continent. We celebrate their remarkable accomplishments, but more importantly, the hopes and promise they epitomize. The communities of these emerging leaders and the continent as a whole will be better and stronger for their leadership- even as they collectively shape the future of our greater continent of Africa. They are the face of Africa’s promise.” MILEAD Selections Committee
The 2014 MILEAD Fellows
Representing twenty-five African countries and the Diaspora, the 2014 Fellows epitomize a Pan-African diversity with multi-disciplinary academic, professional, and social backgrounds. Women’s economic empowerment, innovations in environmental justice, and political participation provide proof to this new generation of African women leaders with bold and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on a global stage. The 2014 Fellows are between the ages of 19 and 25, but are already actively leading change on pertinent issues, both at a grassroots and international level. Here are the honoured 2014 Fellows:
Ms. Marlise Montcho [Benin] Ms. Nicole Khumo Senuku [Botswana]
Ms. Kadija Simboro [Burkina Faso] Ms. Delphine Konda [Cameroon]
Ms. Yelli M. Poda [Cote d’Ivoire] Ms. Gloria Ramazani Mikala [DRC]
Ms. Marta Tsehay Sewasew [Ethiopia] Ms. Patience Annankra [Ghana]
Ms. Faye Jainaba [Gambia] Ms. Shiraz Saajida [Ghana]
Ms. Sianah Nalika DeShield [Liberia] Ms. Patricia Chiumia [Malawi]
Ms. Williee Chonguiça [Mozambique] Ms. Mofolasayo M. Adeniyi [Nigeria]
Ms. Yacine Ndiaye [Senegal] Ms. Irene Jacobs [Sierra Leone]
Ms. Rahma Elmi Du’ale [Somalia] Ms. Kim Harrisberg [South Africa]
Ms. Deborah Akech [South Sudan] Ms. Jihad Abdelgadir [Sudan]
Ms. Catherine Fidelis [Tanzania] Ms. Rim Bettaieb [Tunisia]
Ms. Faith Namalwa [Uganda] Ms. Sinqobile S Ndlovu [Zimbabwe]
Ms. Christelle Kwizera [Rwanda] Ms. Tafadzwa Bete Sasa [Zambia/ Zim]
Ms. Edem Torkonoo [Diaspora/USA] Ms. Bernice Ofori [Diaspora/USA]
From over 1,260 applications from 42 countries, the selected Fellows of 2014 will become part of the growing MILEAD community of powerful Pan-African network of change makers- a new generation of young women leaders. We salute all the applicants for their tremendous work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Although only 28 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all of these leaders. We look forward to collaborating with all applicants through other platforms and future programs as we strive to create opportunities and attain dignity and justice for women in our communities and across the continent.
The 2014 MILEAD Fellows Institute The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2014 MILEAD Leadership Institute- a three-week intensive training program, which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. In addition to knowledge building lectures, skills-training workshops, teambuilding activities, role plays and other interactive activities, Fellows will be mentored by experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders.
About The MILEAD Fellows Program
The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of the year, the selected Fellows progress through three phases. First, identify and prepare Fellows through leadership development, networking, mentoring, and training. Second, promote the visibility and accomplishments of Fellows through media coverage and networking. Lastly, support Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows will benefit from a lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.
About Moremi Initiative
Founded in 2004, The Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa strives to engage, inspire, and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs, and change agents- leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimize and perpetuate injustices and discrimination against women. We firmly believe that the full and active participation of women in leadership is a pre-requisite for positive change and development in Africa, and addresses the current problem of leadership imbalances. Moremi engages, inspires and equips a new generational of African women leaders.
Key program partners include, Institute of African Studies- University of Ghana, Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE), Junior Achievement International, Duksung Women’s University, Girls Not Brides, The Global Fund for Women, OSI- International Women’s Program, The Africa Group Consult, GATE to Africa, Gender Centre-Ghana, 40 Roses Foundation, Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), WILDAF, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women- UN Women, among others.
For more information, contact Moremi Initiative: Tel: +1 917.327.5235 (USA) +233 242 901222 (GHANA)
F: www.facebook.com/MoremiAfrica E: info@moremiinitiative.org W:www.moremiinitiative.org