Arusha, 15 August 2025: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR/the Court) has completed a two-day Women Leadership training for its female staff, designed to equip participants with the skills, mindset and confidence to navigate challenges and lead with impact across both professional and personal spheres.
Facilitated by Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa of Zetu Mindshift Consulting Firm from South Africa, the training themed “Reclaiming Leadership: The Legacy of Power”, brought together female staff from all Units of the Court for a highly interactive and participatory programme.
Opening the training on behalf of the Registrar of the Court, the Head of Finance and Administration Division, Ms. Martha Asante, acknowledged the real barriers women face in the workplace, particularly in balancing professional duties with family, community and other responsibilities, and described the training as a direct response to these challenges.
“Each of us carries a wealth of leadership, whether big or small. We must ignite the spark that lights the way for others. We don’t lead for ourselves, but for our communities and organisations. Claim your seat at the table, and ensure it’s not the last one you take. Engage fully, ready to wield power with grace and impact,” she said.
In her sessions, Ms. Makamandela-Mguqulwa challenged participants to embrace their uniqueness, adopt strategic approaches to everyday issues and strengthen their capacity to lead effectively in both workplace and societal contexts.
“Women hold half the sky, so how we name and frame problems directly affects the solutions we find. This session helps us dissect that and empower us for growth and progress. Women’s issues are never just about women, they are societal issues. That is why men are welcome, and every way they choose to support women matters,” she said, commending male colleagues who attended the opening session.
Representing the male staff in attendance, Head of Legal Division, Dr. Horace Sègnonna Adjolohoun, emphasised that the women already possess power and should instead focus on exercising it effectively for results.
“The problem isn’t that women need more power, it’s how they exercise the power they already have. Men are present in every part of women’s lives, so genuine collaboration between the two sides is always essential for the women’s leadership journey,” he stated.
The training which incorporated interactive discussions, practical exercises and role plays, directly aligns with the Court’s strategic objective of promoting institutional excellence through strengthened capacity building.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is an organ of the African Union established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
- The Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.
- The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org
Telephone: +255 272 510 510
For further inquiries: Dr Robert Eno, Registrar – Robert.Eno@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Chipiliro Kansilanga Ngue – Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
