Ms Jacqueline Nyapendi, the first Global President of Young African Women Congress (YAWC) assumes office on Friday.
YAWC Network is a fraternity of young women of African descent living in Africa and the Diaspora who seek to be empowered and be themselves.
According to Ms Nyapendi, the members are change makers for leadership and development on the continent and membership of the network is segregated by Chapters based on country demarcations.
“However, there is a common goal which involves grassroots mobilisation of women for leadership and development through advocacy, training and projects,” she said.
She said that their vision is to connect all young women of African descent in Africa and the diaspora world to a common platform for intellectual discourse and knowledge sharing for women’s development and a better continent geared towards political and socio-economic development.
As Global President, Ms Jacqueline Nyapendi said that she will be at the forefront of major initiatives of the YAWC Network, promote activities of the various Chapters of the Network and represent it on global platforms for women’s development.
Members, according to Ms Nyapendi access master class, International Internships, exchange programmes, mentorship series, scholarship schemes, representation at international programmes, legal aid, among other benefits.
The targeted countries are Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, Southern Africa, and Francophone countries which have some members.
“However, we will mobilise more women at the grassroots level to join the cause,” she said. “I will set up an advocacy agenda for the continent and seek the support of partner institutions and bodies that support women and children to meditate for peace. We have some nations impacted by civil wars. These are issues affecting women and children ranging from sexual abuse, hunger, and other injustices against humanity.”
She said: “I will work with the new executive team to socialise their country women-led programmes as we train, coach, and mentor women for leadership.”
Ms Nyapendi has a Master of Arts in Organisational Leadership and Management from Uganda Christian University and Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science, Kyambogo University.
The pro-women network which is an initiative of the gender unit of ExLA Group has its headquarters in Accra, Ghana. It has been in operation for five years.