“ THE GLOBAL AFRICAN WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE- POLITICS AND BUSINESS FORUM MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY NOT INDIFFERENT A COLLABORATION BETWEEN PANAFRICAN STRATEGIC AND POLICY RESEARCH GROUP (PANAFSTRAG), AND THE GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA”

1. JUSTIFICATION The growing and unprecedented increase of global African women holding top positions of leadership in national, Regional and International Governance in National and International Politics, NGOs and Business in the world have increased the power and influence of women in global policy formulation and decision-making.

If as some extremists say, men have created the global confusion and crises through weak political and economic governance of their countries especially in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, then have this growing numbers of female policy and decision makers improved or will improve the situation in the immediate and short- term? In particular will women in politics make politics clean, improve political governance in the context of public interest and grow a caring economy. The women in national and International NGOs can not be left out.

On the business side, will women balance profit with social responsibility while satisfying the needs of the shareholders, the host communities, the consumers and the environment.

The Forum, which will bring together global African black women holding policy and decision making positions in political, business and non-governmental organisations in Regional, Continental, Inter-governmental, economic organisations and International business and non-governmental organisations will discuss the above issues and the future of women in governance for dealing with African and African Diaspora issues.

The Forum will be open to women from Africa and the Diaspora but only 50-60 will participate in this activity

2. PERIOD It will hold for 3 days before the end of December 07. It will be bi-annual in rotation between the continents.

3. VENUE The Inaugural Forum will hold in Monrovia.

4. THE THEME GLOBAL AFRICAN WOMEN IN POLITICAL, BUSINESS AND NON- GOVERNMENTAL GOVERNANCE – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR AFRICA AND THE DIASPORA 5. REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO

a. Provision of the venue for 3 days with tea breaks and lunch. It will be from 9am-5pm each day b. Organize a cultural night cum dinner between 7.30pm – 9.30pm on the Opening day. c. Covering planning costs. d. Bringing in AU, ECA and NEPAD as collaborators.

PROGRAMME 6. it is proposed that addresses are to be delivered by - Mme M. Jean – The Governor-General of Canada - President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia - Deputy Secretary General of the UN - Portia Simpson-Miller-P.M. of Jamaica - Dr. Ines Maria Barbosa- Brazil - Baroness Scotland, the leader of the House of Lords in UK. - Mme Taubira-M.D from France-Guyana - Mme Fay Housty – Director-Economic and External Relations of CARICOM – (Economic Union of Caribbean) - AU, NEPAD and African Parliament

BENEFITS 7. The sponsorship of this Forum will enable powerful Black women policy and decision makers in politics and business to know each other, to do business with each other and to support Africa and Diaspora women and poor.

8. PLANNING MEETING AT A DATE, TIME AND VENUE TO BE DECIDED There is needs to be a planning meeting for the Forum in whichever City is ready to host.

9. We need a host city. Please discuss with your City Council and Businesses. We needed to know by 15 May 2007.

10. I await your comments and critiques.

Ishola Williams Maj-Gen (Rtd) Executive Secretary