FLED International Leadership Institute

Under the Auspices of

FLED GROUP AFRICA

Presents 

2nd Annual International Women’s Leadership Conference & Policy Dialogue (IWLC 2026)

 

Theme: Gendered Public Leadership for Africa’s Development

Date:  NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 2026

 

FLED Group Africa invites scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society leaders, faith leaders, private sector professionals, and emerging researchers to submit abstracts for its Second Annual International Women’s Leadership Conference (IWLC 2026).

Building on the success of the inaugural conference, this year’s convening will deepen intellectual and policy conversations on how gender-aware public leadership can transform governance systems, institutional cultures, economic development, and democratic accountability across Africa.

At a time when Africa faces complex developmental challenges, this conference seeks to interrogate how gendered leadership frameworks can strengthen moral governance, inclusive policy design, and sustainable nation-building.

Conference Objectives

The Conference aims to:

  • Advance rigorous scholarship on gender and public leadership in Africa
  • Promote evidence-based policy dialogue
  • Amplify African women’s voices in governance and institutional design
  • Bridge academia, policy, and practice
  • Contribute to leadership theory rooted in African realities

Conference Tracks

Papers are invited under (but not limited to) the following tracks:

Track I — Women, Governance and Democratic Renewal
Track II — Gendered Public Leadership and Statecraft
Track III — Inclusive Institutions and Development Policy
Track IV — Women’s Political Representation in Africa
Track V — Intergenerational Leadership and Social Transformation

Special topics:

  1. Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Economic Transformation
  2. Ethical Governance and Moral Leadership
  3. Women in Peacebuilding, Security, and Conflict Resolution
  4. Gender, Media, and Public Narrative
  5. Faith, Culture, and Gender in African Public Life
  6. Women in Digital Governance

Interdisciplinary, comparative, and cross-country studies are strongly encouraged.

Who Should Submit?

  • Academics and Researchers
  • Graduate and Doctoral Students
  • Public Officials and Policy Advisers
  • Civil Society and Development Practitioners
  • Faith-Based and Community Leaders
  • Governance and Leadership Consultants

Both empirical research and conceptual/theoretical papers are welcome.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Word Count: 300–500 words

Each abstract must include:

  • Paper Title
  • Author(s) Name(s)
  • Institutional Affiliation
  • Contact Email
  • Problem Statement / Research Question
  • Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
  • Methodology (if applicable)
  • Key Findings or Expected Contribution
  • Policy or Institutional Implications for Africa

Formatting Requirements

  • Font: Times New Roman
  • Size: 12
  • Line Spacing: 1.5
  • File Format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
  • Language: English

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a blind peer-review process based on:

  • Relevance to the theme
  • Originality and intellectual rigor
  • Clarity of argument
  • Methodological soundness
  • Policy relevance and contribution to African development discourse

Successful applicants will receive an official Letter of Acceptance.

Important Dates

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026 
  • Notification of Acceptance: September 15, 2026
  • Date: November 10 & 11, 2026
  • Venue: FGA Conference Centre, Abuja/ Hybrid 

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers may be invited for:

  • Inclusion in the Conference Proceedings
  • An Edited Volume on Gendered Public Leadership
  • Publication in FLED’s Leadership Policy Working Paper Series

Why This Conference Matters

Africa’s development requires leadership that is inclusive, ethical, and institutionally grounded. Gendered public leadership is not merely about representation—it is about transforming systems, reshaping public culture, and embedding moral accountability within governance structures.

This Conference seeks to move the conversation beyond symbolic inclusion toward structural impact.

Submission Process

Send abstracts: acpl@flededu.org

Subject Line: IWL 2026 Abstract Submission – [Surname]

For inquiries: +234-708 015 7176

 Paper Publication

Selected papers will also be published in the FLED Africa Leadership Journal – FALJ (May 2027)

Expected Participants

  • Professionals from various sectors.
  • Government Ministries and Agencies 
  • Academics
  • Parliamentarian 
  • Social Sector Workers & NGOs 
  • International NGOs 
  • UN Agencies
  • AU and Africa’s Regional Development Commissions
  • The World Bank/IMF, Africa Development Bank, etc.
  • Female Corporate leaders in Banking, Media and Communication, Real Estate, industries: ICT, etc.

Registration & Publication Fees

Abstract submission is free of charge.

FLED International Leadership Institute is committed to ensuring broad intellectual participation across Africa and the global community. There are no fees at the abstract stage. Individuals may go ahead to pay prior to abstract acceptance to secure early bird rebates.

Conference Registration Fees

Early Bird Deadline: August 15

  • Academics/Professionals – ₦40,000
  • PhD & Graduate Students – ₦25,000
  • Virtual Presenters – ₦20,000
  • International Participants – $80

Regular Registration

  • Academics/Professionals – ₦60,000
  • PhD & Graduate Students – ₦35,000
  • Virtual Presenters – ₦30,000
  • International Participants – $120

Registration Fee Covers:

  • Access to all conference sessions
  • Conference materials (digital pack)
  • Certificate of Presentation / Participation
  • Refreshments (for physical attendees)
  • Administrative and technical support
  • Inclusion in the official Conference Programme

Publication Processing Fee

(For Accepted Full Papers Only)

Authors whose full papers are accepted after peer review and selected for publication will be invited to pay a publication processing fee as follows:

  • Conference Proceedings – ₦30,000
  • Edited Volume Consideration – ₦50,000
  • International Authors – $100

Please Note:

  • Payment does not guarantee publication.
  • All full papers undergo blind peer review.
  • Only papers that meet academic and editorial standards will be published.

Fee Waivers & Scholarships

A limited number of partial fee waivers will be available for:

  • Early-career African female scholars
  • Participants from low-income institutions
  • Exceptional student researchers

Applicants may indicate interest in fee support during submission.

Payment Information

Payment details will be communicated to qualified individuals at the appropriate time.

All payments must be completed before the stated registration deadline to secure participation and publication consideration.

Refund Policy

  • Registration fees are non-refundable after confirmation.
  • Substitutions may be permitted upon written request.
  • Publication fees are non-refundable once editorial processing has commenced.

Commitment to Academic Integrity

The Conference maintains strict separation between the Review Committee and the Finance Office to ensure transparency and scholarly credibility.

FLED Group Africa remains committed to advancing ethical, inclusive, and policy-relevant leadership scholarship for Africa’s development.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Supported by

Africa Centre for Public Leadership – ACPL

Future World Magazine

Join us in shaping a new architecture of gendered public leadership for Africa’s future.

 

For more information, contact:

IWLC 2026 Conference Coordinator

FLED Group Africa

Plot MF 57 Cadastral Zone

KMC Street, Karu Site, Abuja

Tel: +234- 9063069744, +234-7080157176

Email: people4power2015@gmail.com