Women’s ability to contribute to peace and development is well-documented, with immense evidence indicating their inclusion opens doors for success. Yet some countries, including many in Africa, have failed to give women the financial, educational and political resources they need to participate in the highest levels of leadership. Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf discusses the inspiring persistence of African women in the face of male-dominated societies, the need for women to work collectively across national boundaries, and how African leaders can better promote women’s participation by ensuring gender equality is built into both their policies and practices.
