A major initiative aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance, diplomacy and legislative affairs is set to take centre stage in Abuja as the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), through its Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, partners with the ECOWAS Female Parliamentary Association (ECOFEPA) and Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa to organise the Female Legislative Mentorship Programme on Diplomacy and Parliamentary Affairs.

The programme, scheduled for December 8, 2026, at the ECOWAS Parliament, Abuja, will focus on empowering 300 young women with the knowledge, exposure and mentorship required to contribute meaningfully to legislative processes, diplomacy and public leadership across the ECOWAS sub-region.

The initiative is championed by Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan, wife of the Ooni of Ife, through the Hopes Alive Initiative, reflecting a commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, leadership development and inclusive governance.

With the theme, “Strengthening Women Inclusion and Gender Mainstreaming in the ECOWAS Sub-Region,” the programme seeks to advance conversations around women’s representation, equal opportunities and greater participation in decision-making institutions.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, National Convener Vincent Ezeala, Head of the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs of the United World Congress of Diplomats and CEO of Vinik Parliamentary Consult, emphasised the importance of preparing young women for leadership responsibilities and providing them with opportunities to understand parliamentary procedures and diplomatic engagement.

The programme is coordinated by Vinik Parliamentary Consult, with the collaboration of relevant partners committed to advancing women’s participation in governance and regional development.

As the ECOWAS sub-region continues to pursue inclusive development, initiatives such as this offer an important platform for nurturing the next generation of female leaders, legislators and diplomats.

Empowering 300 young women today could help shape a more inclusive leadership landscape for tomorrow.

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