Celebrating 50 Years of ECOWAS: Committing to Gender Empowerment
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary, a significant retreat took place from May 28 to 29, 2025, at Zuma Rock in Niger State, Nigeria. This event highlighted the organization’s dedication to gender empowerment, coinciding with the observance of International Women’s Day (IWD), which had been postponed to maximize participation from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
A Symbolic Gathering for Women
The retreat was organized by the Directorate of Human Resources in partnership with the ECOWAS Amazon Executives, bringing together female staff members from across the ECOWAS Commission. This two-day program served as both a celebration of ECOWAS’s historical trajectory, which began on May 28, 1975, and an opportunity for the women of the organization to reflect on their personal and professional journeys. The timing infused the gathering with added significance, linking the community’s development to the aspirations of its female workforce.
Empowering Sessions to Drive Change
The second day of the retreat focused on core training and empowerment activities. It commenced with opening remarks from Mrs. Kete Gillis-Harry, the Principal Officer for Career Management and Training. Following her introduction, Madame Marième Sy, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Amazon, delivered a goodwill message that paved the way for a day anchored in themes of leadership, authenticity, and purpose.
Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the Founding Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), led an engaging session with modules that addressed crucial topics such as overcoming barriers to women’s leadership and promoting financial independence. His insights encouraged participants to confront systemic challenges and embrace leadership that’s built on clear values and goals.
Insights and Experiences
A highlight of the retreat was the “Experience Sharing” segment, guided by Mrs. Enife Atobiloye, a Partner at TRANSEARCH. Drawing on her extensive knowledge in executive search and leadership development, she motivated attendees to cultivate their capabilities through strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to being authentic leaders.
The dynamic nature of the retreat included not only training sessions but also team-building exercises, reflective activities, and a quiz competition. These interactive components allowed participants to engage more deeply with the themes of personal growth and empowerment, guided by a professional facilitation team from the Directorate of Human Resources. Their expertise ensured that the event flowed smoothly and meaningfully.
A Call to Authentic Leadership
In her closing remarks, ECOWAS Amazon President Madame Marième Sy delivered a powerful message, urging women to define personal success in their own unique ways. She emphasized the importance of leading with authenticity and courage, framing gender empowerment as an essential element in the vision of ECOWAS 2050—a vision aiming for an inclusive ECOWAS that truly represents its people.
This retreat not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives focused on gender equality within the region, reinforcing the notion that empowering women is not just a supplementary goal but a central tenet in the pursuit of a progressive and unified West African community.
This gathering at Zuma Rock stands as a testament to ECOWAS’s ongoing commitment to uplifting women’s voices and experiences, fostering an environment where all members can thrive, and ultimately contributing to the realization of a more equitable society.
