Partners in Progress: Why Women Belong at the Decision-Making Table
Have you ever looked around a room where major decisions are being made and wondered, where are all the women?
A decision-making table occupied only by men isn’t a democracy; it’s a habit. Likewise, a table occupied only by women isn’t a revolution; it’s a reaction. True progress happens when everyone is given equal footing to lead alongside one another.
Women are not at war with men. We are partners in progress.
Overcoming the Silence
From a young age, many young girls feel a burning drive to stand out and make a difference. Yet, as time goes on, women often find themselves taking on countless roles,daughters, sisters, creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals—all while fighting simply to have their voices heard.
Many women carry silent backstories of struggle, sacrifice, and survival. Yet, despite every challenge, they keep showing up.
As author Sheryl Sandberg wrote in her work on leadership, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have it.” It is time to stop apologizing for wanting to lead and step into the room without fear.
What Does “35%” Really Mean?
The demand for 35% representation in policy and governance is not an attempt to replace male leadership. It is about completing it.
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Complementary Strengths: While traditional structures have often relied on strategy and strength, bringing women into leadership introduces resilience, intuition, foresight, and empathy.
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Shared Responsibility: True equality creates balanced communities—tables where fathers can comfortably plan for childcare and women are equally empowered to drive major economic and social policies.
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A Better Future for Everyone: Rigid patriarchy harms everyone. It tells young boys they cannot show emotion and tells young girls they should not lead. Expanding leadership frees both men and women to thrive.
Asking for 35% in governance is not asking for special treatment or revenge; it is asking to be acknowledged, honored, and heard.
A Call to Every Generation
Building a balanced society requires effort across generations:
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To Young Girls: Do not be afraid to speak up. Your perspective and ideas matter.
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To Experienced Women Leaders: Share your knowledge and mentor the next generation rather than gatekeeping wisdom.
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To Men in Leadership: Open doors, create space at the table, and collaborate with women as equal partners in building a stronger nation.
When we join forces, we move away from division and build a future that works for everyone.
Join the Movement
The conversation doesn’t end here. The Women for 35 movement, with support from the AMEF (Aju League/Aju Foundation), is bringing these critical conversations directly to the public.
Take Action Today:
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Engage online: Join the upcoming X Space (formerly Twitter) forum discussions to share your thoughts on 35% representation.
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Speak up: Share this message with your community and encourage young women to embrace leadership.
