Patricia Deyton, CGO Director, participates in the Official Launch of the 2008 Colloquium on Women's Leadership and Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia
On January 16th, the official launch was held on the first anniversary of the inauguration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and the first democratically elected woman president of an African country. The official launch was hosted by President Johnson Sirleaf. The 2008 Colloquium is intended to promote and highlight the necessity for women to be in leadership especially in the political sector where they can have an influence on policies relating to security and peacekeeping. On of the major focal points of the Colloquium will be a worldwide examination of the implementation and effectiveness of UN Resolution 1325 which calls for the involvement of women in peacekeeping in post-conflict situations. Experience has shown that when women are involved, decisions are made that address a broader section of the needs of society, women become visible and empowered in leadership roles, and thus are able to move into formal political roles in their countries. Rwanda is cited as an example. The Colloquium will be held in Liberia with over 500 women leaders expected to participate. Other goals of the Colloquium include the documentation of the voices of leadership from women in Africa, the creation of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Chairs at major universities and a call for a new and stronger UN resolution on women in leadership positions.
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