From July 1 to 2, 2025, the 4th Nalafem Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, brought together African women leaders, youth representatives, and changemakers to reaffirm a powerful commitment: women’s leadership and gender justice are essential pillars of democratic resilience and inclusive governance.
Club de Madrid participated in the Summit with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Member of Club de Madrid and Africa’s first elected female Head of State, whom delivered a keynote speech in which she called for an Africa ready to shape its own destiny and strengthen its presence on the global stage:
“God has given us the means to use our own resources, if only we use it well.”
“Africa will unite for the interests of Africa.”
“How do we prepare ourselves to be able to meet the changing circumstances of our global environment?”
President Johnson-Sirleaf also met with Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, highlighting the transformative potential of women’s leadership at both local and global levels.
Throughout the event, powerful voices from our WYDE Network (Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative) echoed across panels and roundtables.
🔹 Doreen Nyanjura, Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala, urged a generational shift in feminist leadership:
“The price you pay for keeping quiet is higher than the price you pay when you sit out.”
🔹 Joanah Mamombe, MP for Zimbabwe, and Camilla Banda, National Youth Chairperson of Zambia’s Party of National Unity and Progress, shed light on the personal and political cost of women’s leadership in contexts of harassment and intimidation, underscoring the urgent need for solidarity and protection.
At Club de Madrid, we believe that inclusive, values-based leadership is critical for building resilient democracies. As we continue to work in Africa to promote gender equality, youth participation and democratic renewal, we look forward to deepening collaboration with Nalafem and partners across the continent.
Let us continue redefining power, amplifying the voices of the unheard, and building the future Africa deserves.
