ACCRA, Ghana – The mayor of the Paynesville City Corporation, Cyvette M. Gibson, recently joined several other influential African women at a three-day international forum in Accra, Ghana. The meeting aimed to highlight issues affecting women’s participation in politics.

According to a PCC release from Accra, Gibson was invited to the International SHEROES Forum to discuss issues focused on empowering African women.

Gibson was part of a high-powered panel of women, including Joyce Banda, the former President of Malawi; Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the former first lady of Ghana; Senator Geraldine Doe-Sheriff of Liberia; and Senator Binta Masi Garba of Nigeria.

The event was held from Thursday, October 8 to October 10, and took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra. The theme was “Re-Defining the Rules of Engagement for Gender Equality.”

“During the forum, participants dialogued on issues relative to gender equality, and explored ways to advance women’s leadership in Africa” the PCC release said.

The former Malawian president, Banda, was the guest of honor at the global gathering of women leaders. She used the occasion to launch her Elect Her In Africa organization.

Banda aims to use the organization to encourage women to run for elected offices in Africa and to urge governments to appoint women to various positions. It is a joint initiative of the Joyce Banda Foundation and Africa Union/Diaspora Africa Forum.

Gibson is expected back in the country on Monday, October 12.

Featured photo by Jefferson Krua