The Regional Organization of African Youth and Emerging
Leaders Forum (ROAJELF) was established in 2009 to ensure
ABOUT ROAJELF
Regional Organization of African Youth and Emerging Leaders Forum
The Regional Organization of African Youth and Emerging
Leaders Forum (ROAJELF) was established in 2009 to ensure
the effective emergence of young women leadership within
the next generation, combat all forms of discrimination against
women, and promote the empowerment and social progress
of women across West Africa.
Building Foundations for Impact
ROAJELF remains in its formative phase with challenges in implementing mandates, visibility, donor relations, and communication.
Capacity Gaps Persist
Functional structures exist in some ECOWAS states, but technical capacity is limited across most country networks.
Funding Gaps Persist
Resource mobilization and grant funding for operations and program delivery remain a critical gap.
Engage with
Connect to news, events and information you care about.
Boundaries
Lorem ipsum dolor aconsec adipisicing elit, sdo eiuscidid unut labore dolore.
Mission
Lorem ipsum dolor aconsec adipisicing elit, sdo eiuscidid unut labore dolore.
Preserving
Lorem ipsum dolor aconsec adipisicing elit, sdo eiuscidid unut labore dolore.
Empowering Young Women for Peace and Development in West Africa
ROAJELF serves as a framework for consultation and action by young women leaders on regional issues including peace and security, regional economic integration and migration, education for development, and reproductive health. Since its founding, ROAJELF has convened four General Assemblies, with the most recent 4th Assembly themed “Gender, Migration, Human Rights, Security and the Role of Young Girls in the Promotion of Peace and Development in West Africa.” This session renewed leadership mandates and revitalized the organization’s structure. A new Secretariat will be based in Dakar, Senegal.
ROAJELF Regional President’s Message
Between 2021 and 2025, the West African Network of Young Women Leaders (ROAJELF) stood as a living testament to the transformative power of young women’s solidarity and youth leadership in advancing the ECOWAS vision of peace, stability, and inclusive development. These years have been a defining chapter in our collective journey; one that tested our resilience, strengthened our unity, and positioned young women at the heart of regional transformation.
ROAJELF 2025 CONVENSION OVERVIEW
This report outlines the activities and outcomes of ROAJELF Liberia’s 2022-2025 initiatives aimed at empowering women through agriculture, enhancing their political participation and leadership, and promoting peace and security within the context of Liberia’s socioeconomic landscape. Over the reporting period, ROAJELF successfully executed a variety of programs that included capacity-building training for over 300 women and young women, facilitated market access through trade fairs, and engaged in advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting. Furthermore, ROAJELF played an important role in the political arena by supporting 150 female candidates during the 2023 elections and promoting youth engagement in peace dialogues. The report highlights activity details, practical results, challenges faced, and recommendations for future initiatives.
ROAJELF COUNTRIES PROFILE
This report outlines the activities and outcomes of ROAJELF Liberia’s 2022-2025 initiatives aimed at empowering women through agriculture, enhancing their political participation and leadership, and promoting peace and security within the context of Liberia’s socioeconomic landscape. Over the reporting period, ROAJELF successfully executed a variety of programs that included capacity-building training for over 300 women and young women, facilitated market access through trade fairs, and engaged in advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting. Furthermore, ROAJELF played an important role in the political arena by supporting 150 female candidates during the 2023 elections and promoting youth engagement in peace dialogues. The report highlights activity details, practical results, challenges faced, and recommendations for future initiatives.
ROAJELF CLIMATE CHANGE POSITION
This report outlines the activities and outcomes of ROAJELF Liberia’s 2022-2025 initiatives aimed at empowering women through agriculture, enhancing their political participation and leadership, and promoting peace and security within the context of Liberia’s socioeconomic landscape. Over the reporting period, ROAJELF successfully executed a variety of programs that included capacity-building training for over 300 women and young women, facilitated market access through trade fairs, and engaged in advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting. Furthermore, ROAJELF played an important role in the political arena by supporting 150 female candidates during the 2023 elections and promoting youth engagement in peace dialogues. The report highlights activity details, practical results, challenges faced, and recommendations for future initiatives.
Strategic Agenda and Program of Actions (SAPOA)
ROAJELF’s Strategic Agenda and Program of Actions is shaped by strategic decisions and recommendations from the 4th General Assembly and subsequent leadership meetings. This agenda, developed by ROAJELF and facilitated by Dr. ONGOIBA Salomon, Miatta Darwolor Thomas, and Amb. Charles G. Tiah, will evolve into a three-year strategic plan.
A frequently asked question surrounding your service
ROAJELF remains in its formative phase with challenges in implementing mandates, visibility, donor relations, and communication.
A frequently asked question surrounding your service
Functional structures exist in some ECOWAS states, but technical capacity is limited across most country networks.
A frequently asked question surrounding your service
Resource mobilization and grant funding for operations and program delivery remain a critical gap.
A frequently asked question surrounding your service
ROAJELF must strengthen its position as a framework for young women leaders’ consultation and action in the sub-region.
Prospects and Opportunities
ROAJELF possesses strong potential for regional leadership in promoting young women’s empowerment. Supported by organizations such as UN Women, CCDG, and the African Women Development Fund, ROAJELF benefits from its statutory relationship with ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG). This alignment positions ROAJELF to access both financial and technical support for implementing its strategic agenda.
Strategic Agenda
ROAJELF’s overarching agenda is to address the link between peace and security, migration, human rights, and development from a gender perspective. Its thematic priorities include:
a) Meaningful leadership and participation of young women in peace and security.
b) Gender, migration, and human rights.
c) Education for development and sexual reproductive health.
d) Economic justice and security of young women in cross-border trade.
e) Organizational development and improved performance of ROAJELF.
Program of Actions (POA)
The Program of Actions outlines the situation surrounding each theme, identifies programmatic approaches, and specifies concrete actions. Below is a summary of one of ROAJELF’s key thematic areas.
Promoting the Meaningful Leadership and Participation of ECOWAS Young Women in Peace and Security
In light of recent instability in ECOWAS countries such as Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast, ROAJELF recognizes the urgent need to empower young women leaders to take active roles in peacebuilding. The program aligns with ECOWAS’s Policy and Strategic Action Plan for Youth (2021–2030), particularly the component on strengthening youth participation in peace and security.