By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone — On July 1–2, 2025, the city of Freetown will become the epicenter of feminist political leadership as it hosts the 4th Nalafem Summit, themed “From Representation to Power: Women Leading in Crisis & Peace.”
Under the patronage of Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and organized by the Nalafem Collective, the summit will bring together 100 prominent figures from across Africa, including ministers, parliamentarians, youth leaders, activists, and survivors, to advance women’s leadership from symbolic presence to real political power.
The event will feature globally recognized voices such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed (via video), Africa’s first elected female president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Africa’s youngest minister, Hon. Emma Theofelus. This influential lineup sets the tone for bold policy discussions, intergenerational dialogue, and impactful commitments.
Key milestones of the summit include the signing of the Nalafem Freetown Declaration and over 50 institutional pledges focused on driving gender equity in decision-making spaces. These will be tied to tangible outcomes including budget allocations, time-bound targets, and enforceable policies supporting women in governance and peacebuilding.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the significance of the gathering: “This is not just about women being seen. It’s about women shaping policy, leading peace, and reimagining the very nature of power.”
The summit will conclude with the Nalafem Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner, headlined by President Sirleaf and celebrating pioneers in peace, governance, and generational solidarity.
Building on past editions in Abuja, Nairobi, and Windhoek, this summit marks a pivotal moment for Nalafem’s growing legacy. From launching strategic platforms like the I AM NALA Fellowship to creating the Nalafem100 network of female political thought leaders, Nalafem continues to mobilize transformational leadership across the continent.
As Nalafem’s founder Aya Chebbi states, “We’re not here to inspire. We’re here to influence policy, shape peace processes, and build collective feminist leadership that can govern, rebuild, and transform Africa.”