She emphasised that the document firmly situates women’s leadership at the centre of AFLIGA’s future agenda, arguing that Africa’s development aspirations “cannot be achieved without women,” and without acknowledging their past contributions, present efforts and future potential.

Dr Binka explained that the policy brief demonstrates that societies where women lead tend to be more stable, peaceful, ethical in governance and people-centred in development. Framed around the African philosophy of Sankofa, the report calls on the continent to reclaim indigenous knowledge and leadership models that have been sidelined over time.

In her assessment, the report challenges the notion that Africa lacks solutions, arguing instead that the continent often lacks confidence in its own knowledge systems.

She highlighted what she described as a “revolutionary” element of the report, its deliberate framing of men as strategic partners rather than passive observers in advancing women’s leadership.

Dr Binka linked this approach to the emerging discourse on positive masculinity, stressing that authentic African manhood aligns with women and promotes equity rather than control.

She outlined key policy recommendations from the report, including zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and girls, protection of women’s dignity as a prerequisite for peace, accountability for both state and non-state actors, increased structural resources for women’s leadership, and the active engagement of men and boys.

Addressing men directly, she urged them to become allies by opening doors, challenging harmful norms, modelling positive masculinity as a civic responsibility, and viewing gender equity as sound economic policy rather than emotional politics.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afisah Zakariah, acknowledged progress in women’s leadership, citing milestones such as the appointment of women as Vice President and Chief Justices.

However, she noted that political representation remains a major challenge, largely due to financial barriers that limit women’s ability to contest parliamentary elections.

Dr Zakariah stressed that women must occupy leadership positions on the basis of merit and competence rather than tokenism, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with AFLIGA to advance gender parity in line with the Affirmative Action Act.

Also speaking at the event, the Board Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, Professor Ruby Mahosvongwe, said the AFLIGA Thought Leadership Series responds to critical leadership gaps on the continent, particularly in inclusivity and accountability.

She emphasised that leadership must be deliberate, values-driven and rooted in indigenous African principles that prioritise community and collective progress.

Professor Mahosvongwe described leadership as a shared responsibility that demands alignment, agility and accountability, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented despite their substantial contributions to development.

She called for institutional reform, resilience and purposeful inclusion to ensure that women’s voices meaningfully shape Africa’s governance and development agenda.

“Leadership does not just happen. It must be planned, intentional and inclusive if it is to influence policy frameworks and deliver sustainable development,” she added.