Our History

The idea of Phenomenal Women Global was conceived  in 2018, by a group of African women from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, that were conscious of the lack of gender and geographic representation in their organizations. This lack of gender parity in both cooperate and international organizations lead to informal discussions between them and finally, the organization of a leadership conference in Geneva Switzerland in September 2011, “the Phenomenal Women Conference.”

One of the Co-Founders, Liza Sekaggya , a human rights officer at the United Nations drew inspiration from the UN EMERGE women leadership program,  that she participated in , as a model of good practice. The tailor-made program for emerging women leaders in the UN, has rich content that includes accomplished women leaders sharing inspirational stories as well as substantive aspects of leadership. Coaching and mentoring is also a significant feature. This was an eye opening experience, especially the coaching program, that prompted deep reflection on the various challenges encountered by women in their careers as well as the power of woman to woman empowerment.  

From this enriching experience, she joined hands with other African and European women to conceptualize and formally establish in 2019, Phenomenal Women Global. PWG is a non-profit and non-governmental organization, established in Switzerland, and governed by articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss civil code. Its headquarters are in Geneva, and a regional office was recently  opened for Africa in Kampala, Uganda.

The PWG feminine model of a “socially conscious leader” was birthed by Liza recognizing the need to have a leadership model  disseminated that touches on the specific gender challenges, unique feminine qualities and perceived obligations of women leaders.

Focal Points of women volunteers interested in the cause have committed their time to organizing events, all over the world. Since 2018, several different leadership conferences and speaker series have been held in the following places: Geneva, Switzerland; Boston, USA; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kampala, Uganda; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Phenomenal Women Global  is grateful for the work and time invested by its members, staff, global focal points, conference organizing teams, and volunteers.