Global health advocate and social entrepreneur Lilian N. Mbuthi has disclosed her participation in a high-level African Convening held on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, where leaders from across the continent and beyond gathered to advance women’s political leadership and democratic governance.
Mbuthi said she supported the Colmena Fund team in the weeks leading up to, and during, the convening, which brought together over 40 leaders drawn from politics, civil society movements, academia, philanthropy and the media.
The meeting focused on some of the most urgent challenges confronting African women and democratic institutions, including the shrinking of civic space, the rise of gendered disinformation, and the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Participants also examined the future of Africa’s care economy, pathways to economic inclusion, and the interconnected issues of climate change, public debt, and the politics surrounding critical minerals.
A key focus of the discussions, according to Mbuthi, was the role of women in conflict and post-conflict societies, with sessions highlighting women’s involvement from peace negotiations through to reconstruction and national healing.
“We centered women’s roles in conflict to peace transitions, from negotiations to post-conflict reconstruction, because inclusive, women’s leadership underwrites durable peace,” Mbuthi stated.
She added that the convening was anchored on three major pillars: building cross-border and intergenerational connections, promoting mutual learning among stakeholders, and fostering collective action to strengthen women’s political power and democratic practice across Africa.
Mbuthi stressed that participants were united by a common conviction that when women hold leadership positions, societies become stronger and more inclusive.
“The through-line is clear: when women lead, societies are more resilient, inclusive and sustainable,” she said.
The African Convening forms part of a broader global push to integrate gender equity into governance, economic systems and peacebuilding frameworks, aligning with international efforts to promote women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
Mbuthi called on policymakers, activists and development partners working in governance, digital rights, gender equality and youth engagement to build stronger partnerships and accelerate action.
“If you’re building in this space, let’s connect and align next steps,” she urged.
The G20 side event reflects a growing recognition that sustainable development and democratic resilience in Africa cannot be achieved without women at the center of political and economic decision-making.
