Menú principal
International Support
Hear what CoM members and others have to say about the AWLP
Mary Robinson
Former President of Ireland (1990-1997)
Currently serves as Head of the Ethical Global Initiative, which seeks to incorporate human rights into the globalization process and support capacity building and good governance in developing countries. Previously, she served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002). She is co-founder of the Irish Centre for European Law at Trinity College (1988) and served as Member of the Upper Chamber of the Parliament of Ireland (1969-1989) and Member of the Dublin City Council (1979-1983). Robinson has been Honorary President of Oxfam International since 2002, and she is also a founding member and Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders. She serves on many boards including the Vaccine Fund.
“The Club of Madrid’s project on women Leaders in Africa builds on the vital role women are playing in African countries today. It also recognizes that leadership can be supported and mentored in practical ways which will enhance further the energies and involvement of women.”
Vigdis Finnbogadottir
President of Iceland (1980-1996)
'The African Women's Leadership Program is a strong and necessary part of the equation for democracy and for the goals of the Club of Madrid. It is essential that women are equally involved in society, in business,civil society and politics as we know that countries advance when women advance. The value of training, of networks, of exchanging ideas amongst women leaders are all proven ways to enhance women'scontribution to society. The AWLP has already shown its value and we are all very pleased with its efforts and results and the energy andenthusiasm of its participants. We will continue to look forward to itsfurther success.'
Jennifer Mary Shipley
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1997-1999)
Leader of the Opposition (1999-2001). She has previously served as Minister of State Services, Transport, State Owned Enterprises (1996), Minister of Health (1994), and Minister of Women’s Affairs (1990). In 1987 she won a seat in the National Parliament representing the electorate of Ashburton (now Rakaia), a position which she continues to hold. Before 1990, Shipley served as Spokesperson on Social Welfare. She was an Initiator of the Education Forum for East Asia and is deeply involved in its development. She has worked with diverse children’s right’s organizations in New Zealand such as the Plunket Society.
“I am delighted to be involved in this exciting new project because in my experience, when Women and Men Leaders work closely together great economic and social progress can be achieved for a Nation. The new programme Dialogue, Identity and Democratic Development will provide an unprecedented opportunity for new and emerging women leaders to have the personal support of an experienced network of former leaders from the Club of Madrid who can provide motivational encouragement and offer operational and strategic insights and input into the problems and challenges faced by this new generation of women in leadership roles in Africa as they make the momentous decisions required to shape the future of their continent.”
Fernando Perpiñá
Secretary General of the Club of Madrid
Mr. Perpiñá has served as a diplomat since 1965. He worked as General Consul of Spain in Boston from 1978 to 1982. He was Technical Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1983-1985). Mr. Perpiñá served as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 1988 and 1991. He was Ambassador to Germany from 1991 to 1996, and to Hungary from 1996 to 2001. He worked as Ambassador in Special Mission in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2001-2003). He has been General Consul of Spain in Paris since 2003.
“I am thrilled by the fact that one of the first Club of Madrid projects after being inaugurated as Secretary General focuses on African women leaders. I am convinced that the progressive incorporation of women to political, social and economic leadership is a guarantee of development and democracy consolidation, and ultimately, the guarantee of the construction of a more free and fair society. This is valid for every country in the world.”
Page last updated: February 08,2008
This website has been produced with the financial support of the European Union and the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Club of Madrid and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Government of Canada.