…The collective power of African women – a legacy of leadership and resilience
By Tosin SOSANYA
In the fabric of African leadership, women have long been the master weavers, threading together families, communities, economies, and futures with unwavering determination. As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we celebrate not just individual achievements but the collective power of African women who continue to reshape the continent’s narrative through their strength, dignity, and collaborative spirit.
On a day such as this, we’re reminded that African women’s leadership is not just about breaking glass ceilings, it’s about building new structures altogether. Structures that accommodate more voices, embrace diverse perspectives, and create sustainable paths to success for generations to come.
The African marketplace has always been a symbol of women’s collaborative economic power. In executive spaces, competition doesn’t negate collaboration. Creating opportunities for other women, sharing resources, and building alliances multiplies our success when we multiply success for others.
The future of African leadership is increasingly female, and necessarily collaborative. To Accelerate Action, organizations like AWLO and the countless women who wake up every day choosing to lead with dignity and purpose, we’re witnessing the emergence of a leadership paradigm that honors our heritage while boldly claiming our future.
The African Women Leadership Organization (AWLO) stands as a testament to the transformative power of women working in concert. Under the visionary guidance of Dr. Elisha Atta, a remarkable champion of gender equality, AWLO has demonstrated that when women support women, mountains move. This organization has become a beacon of hope, showing that effective leadership transcends gender while recognizing the unique perspectives women bring to the table.
Through AWLO’s initiatives, we’ve witnessed how African women leaders don’t just climb the corporate and governmental ladder, they extend it down to pull others up. For example, I became a member through the recommendation of my mentor, Rev. Grace Aiyedogbon, who is a Patron of the organization. From rural communities to urban boardrooms, these leaders are proving that success is sweeter when shared, and progress is more sustainable when collective.
Even in the face of systemic inequalities, African women have walked with grace and dignity. They have safeguarded cultural traditions, fostered education, and advocated for justice. Their dignity is not tied to circumstances but rooted in an unwavering belief in their worth. Dignity thrives in self-awareness. Honor your unique journey, and let your values guide every decision you make.
The most powerful leadership tool a woman possesses is her authentic self. African women executives have learned that mimicking traditionally masculine leadership styles isn’t the answer. Her unique perspective, shaped by her experiences as an African woman, is her superpower.
The African woman is not a solitary figure but a part of an enduring legacy of strength and unity. Let us continue to celebrate her spirit, uplift her voice, and champion her cause. For in the strength, dignity, and resilience of the African woman lies the promise of a brighter, more equitable future.
To every African woman in leadership: your strength ripples through generations, your dignity inspires nations, and your collaborative spirit lights the way forward. Strength grows in community. Seek those who uplift you, and in turn, offer your strength to others. Collective power magnifies individual efforts.
Continue to lead, to lift, and to transform. The continent rises with you.
>>>the writer is a distinguished global business strategist, international trade consultant, coach, author, and speaker. As a founding member of the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) in Canada, she is committed to empowering and elevating women in leadership across continents
