Moremi Initiative Announces 2011 MILEAD Fellows - Africa’s 25 Most Outstanding Emerging Women Leaders

Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa proudly announces the 2011 MILEAD (Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development) Fellows. The MILEAD Fellows were chosen through a highly competitive selection process and criteria for their outstanding leadership promise, community service accomplishments, and commitment to the advancement of women in Africa. The 25 selected fellows are some of Africa’s most extraordinary young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of their communities and Africa as a whole.

'If there is anyone out there who still doubts the possibility of Africa to produce the needed leaders who can confront and resolve the big challenges of our era, we invite them to meet this new generation of change makers from our great continent.' - Excerpt from a statement of the MILEAD Committee

The 2011 MILEAD Fellows

Representing twenty five African countries and the Diaspora, the 2011 Fellows represent a Pan-African diversity with multi-disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds. From poverty to women’s economic empowerment, to global warming and African women’s political participation, this new generation of African women leaders are proof that Africa can produce bold, visionary and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage. The 2011 Fellows are between 19- 25 years of age but are already engaged in actively leading change on critical issues from grassroots to international levels. Here are the honoured 2011 Fellows:

Ms. Lorato Modongo (Botswana)
Ms. Nelly - Shella Yonga (Cameroon)
Ms. Ines Ahoue (Cote D'Ivoire)
Ms. Christine Lunanga (DRC)
Ms. Samar Abdelrahman (Egypt)
Ms. Selamawit Tiruneh (Ethiopia)
Ms. Yassin Nyan (Gambia)
Ms. Hannah Asuming-Brempong (Ghana)
Ms. Serrainne Nyamori (Kenya)
Ms. Kula Fofana (Liberia)
Ms. Florence Kasende (Malawi)
Ms. Landy Daniel Andrianaivosoa (Madagascar)
Ms. Lebogang Mahlare (South Africa)
Ms. Halimatou H. Moussa Dioula (Niger)
Ms. Maureen Chidi Ezeigbo (Nigeria)
Ms. Patricie Mavubi (Rwanda)
Ms. Ndidi Nwaobasi (Senegal)
Ms. Miatta Koroma (Sierra Leone)
Ms. Linda Midzi (South Africa/ Zimbabwe)
Ms. Hind Al-Tayeb (Sudan)
Ms. Jokate Mwegelo (Tanzania)
Ms. Ayaovi Akomatsri (Togo)
Ms. Edna Akullq (Uganda)
Ms. Nachela Chelwa (Zambia)
Ms. Escar Kusema (Zimbabwe)
Ms. Mabel Adaeze Ogakwu (Diaspora)
Ms. Belise Rutagengwa (Diaspora)

From over 500 applicants, the selected Fellows of 2011will become part of the growing MILEAD community of young women leaders. We salute all the applicants for their tremendous work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Even though only 25 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all of these leaders. We absolutely look forward to collaborating with all applicants through other platforms and future programs as we strive to achieve opportunity, dignity and justice for women in our communities and across our great continent.

The 2011 MILEAD Fellows Institute

The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2011 MILEAD Fellows Program with a three-week intensive leadership training program. The program will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. It will enable the Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences women need to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. During this period, experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders will mentor Fellows.

About The MILEAD Fellows Program

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of a year, selected Fellows progress through three phases. Firstly, identification and preparation of Fellows through leadership development, networking, conferences, mentoring, and training. Secondly, promotion of Fellows through media coverage and networking. Lastly, support of Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows continue to receive and share lifelong solidarity and support through the Alumni Network of the program.

About Moremi Initiative

Founded in 2004, The Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa strives to engage, inspire, and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs, and change agents--leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimize and perpetuate discrimination against women. We firmly believe that the full and active participation of women in leadership is a pre-requisite for positive change and development in Africa, and addresses the current problem of leadership imbalances.

Key program partners include Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), Institute of African Studies- University of Ghana, Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE), Junior Achievement International, The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), The Global Fund for Women, OSI- International Women’s Program, and The Africa Group Consult, GATE to Africa, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) among others.

For more information, contact Moremi Initiative:

Tel: +233 242 901222 (GHANA); +1 404 826 2942 (USA)
Email: [email][email protected] or visit: www.moremiinitiative.org