Wellesley Welcomes Inspiring Guests to Campus for the African Women’s Leadership Conference

March 9, 2018

Yesterday, March 8, and continuing today, March 9, women from around the world gathered at Wellesley for the African Women’s Leadership Conference. The conference convenes an extraordinary group of accomplished and influential women from a wide range of fields, including education and politics, health and technology, entertainment and the law.

All are invited to attend former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Kenner Keynote this afternoon, 3:45 PM, in Alumnae Hall Auditorium. Today’s events will also be livestreamed for those not on campus.

In this space, we will post photos from the conference. Check back often today for new images. 

In honor of Women's History Month, Wellesley's #FutureisFemaleFriday celebrates women each week who are making change, achieving goals and moving us all forward.

Wellesley College President Paula A. Johnson listens to Agnes Binagwaho on stage at the African Women's Leadership Conference

Wellesley College President Paula A. Johnson listens to Agnes Binagwaho, the former minister of health for Rwanda who led an effort to open the first comprehensive cancer referral facility in rural East Africa, as she addresses conference attendees.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representative Sandra Ohemeng ’20 welcomes conference participants on Thursday morning.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representative Sandra Ohemeng ’20 welcomes conference participants on Thursday morning.

 

Wellesley’s Yanvalou Drum and Dance Ensemble perform traditional African music with drums.

Wellesley’s Yanvalou Drum and Dance Ensemble kicks off Thursday’s events with a lively performance of traditional African music.

Four female students sit on a stage with a moderator, answering questions.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars discuss the ways gender has shaped their leadership journeys. (L:R: Ivy Mwai, senior program manager, education and learning, Mastercard Foundation, who served as panel moderator; Jennifer Amuah (University of Ghana); Eunice Adjoa Yeboah Adu (Ashesi University, Ghana); Leah Nakaima (Arizona State University); and Tanyaradzwa Chinyukwi (EARTH University, Costa Rica).)

Groups of students sit at tables in deep discussion.

Conference attendees participate in a breakout session following Agnes Binagwaho’s talk on African women leaders in the health sector.

 

Mfoniso Udofia '06 and Lois P. Roach speak on stage.

Lois P. Roach, senior lecturer in theatre studies at Wellesley, and acclaimed playwright Mfoniso Udofia ’06 discuss the representation of African women on the stage.