Presidential Precinct Network Features Africa’s Women’s Group Filled with Lively Discussion of Major Issues

Because of the Internet, international exchange programs today offer more opportunities for training, networking, and discussion among countries than existed 20 years ago. The Presidential Precinct Network – a virtual meeting place for international emerging leaders – allows Precinct Network members to interact with each other from around the world. Utilizing the Presidential Precinct’s connection with the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Precinct Network users are able to discuss relevant issues with colleagues and experts across Africa and the United States. It is a powerful tool that enables Presidential Precinct program participants to continue to learn new skills, find expert advice, and solve the most pressing challenges that young leaders will face after they return home.

Joan Wadelton, former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and founder of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), is currently moderating a thematic “group” in the Presidential Precinct Network, called “Africa’s Women – Africa’s Leaders.” The goal of this group is to give past, current, and future Mandela Washington Fellows the tools they need to assume important responsibilities in their own societies under the broader theme of women’s empowerment. Activities in this group will include training, networking, focused discussions and the sharing of useful documents and websites.

The group is brand new, but the response from the Precinct Network members – including newly added 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows – to the inaugural discussion on “African Women in Politics” has been enthusiastic. Last year, Joan led a discussion with 25 Mandela Washington Fellows at James Madison’s Montpelier on the changing roles of women in sub-Saharan Africa and was impressed by their commitment to the issue. Asked to return again to present to the Precinct’s six-week program, Joan and the Precinct eagerly await the 2015 Fellows – a group that promises to have the same dedication and passion.