Speaking at a Young African Women leaders Forum in Johannesburg South Africa, Mrs. Obama has emphasized the need for collaboration among local leaders and the society as a way of enhancing accountability.
Young African women are encouraged to take part in decision making since their ideas would address some of the challenges in the society.
Participants at the forum took part in several activities meant to inspire them on the importance of teamwork with leaders in bringing change to their communities. The activities covered entrepreneurship education and health.
The young women leaders together with the first lady took part in several community service projects. On her part Mrs Obama prepared a kitchen garden which is in line with her campaign to promote nutritious meals especially to those living with HIV/AIDS. It is also known that she has several gardens at the White House.
Later on the team painted a social hall which will now be used by locals to organize meetings that particularly set a forum for locals to discuss issues affecting their society.
Mrs Obama formed a Facebook page ‘first lady’s forum with young African women leaders’ to expand the discussion of among young women leaders in Africa.The network will also provide mentors to those in entrepreneurship and those who have income generating activities.
Through a phone conference with Bruce Wharton , the deputy assistant secretary of state in the African bureau, he explained that the forum was sponsored by the US government and was attended by 76 young African women leaders, including 44 from the host country and 32 from other African countries.
The young women leaders age are from 16 to 30 years and represent the fields of education, health, civil society, business and the media. Rwanda was represented by Diana Mukundwa a student leader at Kigali’s School of Finance and Banking, at her university she’s also the acting gender minister and board member.
Leave a Reply