Moremi Initiative selects 25 extraordinary young African women leaders from private sector, government, academia, media, and non-profit sectors as MILEAD Senior Fellows.

Moremi Initiative proudly announces the 2009-2010 MILEAD Fellows. The MILEAD Fellows were selected through a highly competitive selection process and criteria, including their outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to the advancement of women in Africa. The 26 selected fellows represent some of Africa’s most extra-ordinary young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead/effect change in their communities.

The Fellows
The 2009/2010 Fellows representing regional diversity, coming from 22 African countries and the Diaspora, and include emerging young women leaders engaged in actively leading change on critical issues including women’s health, HIV/AIDS, economic justice, community development, political participation, and environmental justice.

Rosemary Mbeng Agbor (CAMEROON)
Sofiat Makanjoula-Akinola (NIGERIA/ SWITZERLAND)
Rosa Aku Bani (GHANA)
Rama Salla Dieng (SENEGAL/ MAURITIUS)
Aminata Fall (GUINEA/EGYPT)
Honorine Umotini Gasasira (RWANDA)
Donmale Gbaanador (NIGERIA/USA)
Takondwa Kaliwo (MALAWI)
Rahab Njeri (KENYA)
Yvonne Larvin (UGANDA)
Fatou C. Malang (GAMBIA)
Sebabatso Manoeli (LESOTHO/ USA)
Huda Mohamed (SOMALIA)
Martha Mutale (ZAMBIA/CANADA)
Chiedza Mutizi (ZIMBABWE)
Ruth Namwese (UGANDA)
Muthoni Nduhiu (KENYA)
Charmine Linda Ntuli (SOUTH AFRICA)
Julie Biringanine Nzigire (DRC)
Fatimah Oluwakemi Bello (NIGERIA)
Haika Harisson Ngowi (TANZANIA)
Daintowon Pay-Bayee (LIBERIA)
Annette Quarcoopome (GHANA)
Sarah Simba Riziki-Neema (DRC)
Oluwaseun Waziri (NIGERIA)

The 2009 MILEAD Fellows Institute
The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2009/2010 MILEAD Fellows Program with a three-week intensive residential leadership institute. The University of Ghana and The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) will jointly host the institute. It will enable the Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences women need to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. Additionally, experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders will mentor Fellows over the period.

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 a year, selected Fellows progress through three phases that include: identification and preparation of Fellows through leadership development, networking, conferences, mentoring, and training; promotion of Fellows through media coverage and networking; and support of Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows continue to receive and share lifelong solidarity and support through the Alumni Network of the program.

About Moremi Initiative
Founded in 2003, 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 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 problem of leadership imbalances.

Key program partners include GIMPA Gender Development and Resource Centre, Junior Achievement International, Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), Institute of African Studies- University of Ghana, Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE), The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), The Global Fund for Women, Open Society Institute- Women’s Program, and The Africa Group Consult among others.

For more information, contact Moremi Initiative: Tel: +233 242 901 222 Email: [email][email protected] or visit: www.moremiinitiative.org