ECOWAS Vice President Champions Women’s Political Leadership at AWLN Forum in New York

By Joylinda Laryea / 1st October 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and inclusive governance during the High-Level Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Forum held on 24 September 2025 in New York.

The forum, organised on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, was co-hosted by the African Union (AU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the AWLN. It convened senior United Nations officials led by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, H.E. Amina Mohammed, alongside high-level dignitaries, development partners, and women and youth leaders from across the continent.

With the theme “Advancing Women’s Political Participation in Africa,” the gathering focused on strengthening partnerships and shaping joint action to increase women’s representation in governance and decision-making.

Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, delivered a goodwill message emphasising that inclusive governance remains central to the region’s integration and development agenda. She highlighted ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts to promote women’s participation in political processes, leadership structures and policymaking across West Africa.

Her address underscored the organisation’s continued collaboration with continental and global partners to enhance gender equality and empower women as key actors in governance and peacebuilding.