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Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been officially invited by the Government of Burkina Faso to speak at the 14th International Forum of Enterprising and Dynamic Women (FIED), a high-level gathering focused on women’s leadership and industrial development across Africa.
The forum, which runs from November 25–30 in Ouagadougou under the patronage of President Ibrahim Traoré, will convene women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development actors, and rural women to examine the role of women in industrialization and the promotion of locally made products. This year’s theme, “The Role and Impact of Women in Industrialization and the Promotion of Local Products,” reflects growing regional interest in boosting women-led economic transformation.
Howard-Taylor’s invitation comes from Burkina Faso’s National Office of Major Projects, citing her long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment, education, leadership advancement and community-level development in Liberia and across the continent. Organizers say her participation is expected to add weight to discussions on expanding women’s economic influence, strengthening innovation, and improving the competitiveness of African-made goods.
The former Vice President expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing programs that position women as key drivers of economic growth. Her office noted that she looks forward to engaging fellow African leaders and development partners on strategies to elevate women’s participation in industrial sectors traditionally dominated by men.
