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The second edition of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) dubbed: “Harnessing Africa’s Demographic Dividend; The Case for Women in Leadership” has been launched at the British Council in Accra on April 11, 2017.

The launch was organised to raise the curtain for the main event which is scheduled to be held in July 2017 and the numerous activities that would precede it. The programme was graced by many dignitaries such as Prof. Akosua Adomako Amofa, (ExLA Group's Board Chair), Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, (Fmr. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts), H.E. Claudia Turbay Quintero, (Colombian Ambassador to Ghana), Ms Susan Ngongi,(UNICEF) and Dr. Juliette Tuakli (Chief Exec. Officer of ChildAccra)

The Executive Director of ExLA Group spelled out the vision set for the occasion which is to nurture the young African woman for active leadership that would inure to their personal as well as national development by removing, reducing and eliminating all hindrances of women leadership.

“The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) is open to ONLY Young African Women aspiring for leadership at various fields of endeavour with the age ranging from 18 – 40 years old, who will demonstrate high level of commitment and enthusiasm to champion the agenda for women empowerment on the African Continent”.

Speaking to the topic, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Art, admonished the young women to put in a lot of seriousness in whatever they do and also not look down on themselves as women but be ready to offer their services anytime the need arises. She continued by saying how she used to offer her services as an Usher in Programmes and Conferences without taking anything in other to receive information. "I came from a very humble family and being an usher was the best alternative to receive what the rich kids have and asked if that's what the youth or young women of today are eagerly looking for.

She entreated all young women to grab such opportunities to participate and register.

The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) is a programme under the direct supervision of the ExLA Group Gender Programme (EGGP).

YAWC seeks to broaden the scope of the Millennium Development Goal which emphasizes Women’s Empowerment as indicative of the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament, to fully embrace the Proposal for Sustainable Development Goal which focuses on Women’s Empowerment in the light of ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life among others.

They acknowledged that empowerment is not a destination but a journey, with detours that depend on each woman’s circumstances and opportunities. However, they recognised that tools can be provided to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised, and the environment can be made friendlier for women so that they can enjoy, participate and contribute to development in equal measure to men.

They also believe in determined people from all walks of life, and with the full commitment of determined leaders, women’s journey to full self-actualization through effective leadership can be a defining achievement of the 21st century.