“Why do civilizations flourish and fail?”

“Why do civilizations flourish and fail?”

World history maintains that humanity and civilization began in Africa Through missionaries, transatlantic and commercial slave trading Africa, like a dutiful Mother supported world development and civilization

The delay in Africa’s modern day civilization can be traced to the far-reaching impact of external disruptions in Her developmental process.  It is a fact that Africa is largely regarded as a member of the unified world although in terms of development, African countries are lagging behind in most aspects of the global partnership, a world partnership recognised only as allies to support the interest of the rest of the world to the detriment of Africa

It is therefore not surprising that Africa although politically independent is not able to take control of its own affairs to meet international standards and to deliver for Africans worldwide the dividends of political independence from colonialism and end to the transatlantic slavery

The failings of Africa to develop to international standard through realistic reform was raised on 7^th December 2010 in Brussels during the EU- Dev Days (6^th to 7^th December 2010) by a prominent member of the European Parliament. According to the MEP, Africans should stop blaming others for their failings and to realise that the responsibility of Africa’s reform is theirs alone TRUE

Repeatedly the EU event stressed the need for African governments to include Africa’s civil society in the development of the Continent

Africa needs to reform and the violence and abuse of African women and girl children need to end. This is the driving force of the work that WOA is doing to raise the profile of African women for international recognition through remote support

Without liberty and shared sense of responsibility amongst Africans, it is not possible for the Continent to recover and reform in our lifetime. Traditionally, women define Africa’s culture and traditions it therefore stands to reason that unless African women are brought to the decision making process in Africa’s affairs as equal stakeholders, the African dream will not be realised and nor, would the challenges in global peace, economic and political stability be achieved

Although I am outside of the age limit for this summer school, I am encouraged to present this application by the urgent need that I feel to take African women to the world stage to encourage the Legatum Institute and other members of the global world to support the efforts of WOA towards achieving liberty and responsibility

My participation at the summer school would be of mutual benefit to LI and Africa as it would confidently discuss the challenges women face and Africa’s reform and how, the outcome of the African women Congress and Commission that WOA is working to deliver can be adapted globally to support women universally

Alice Ukoko is member of Worldwide Who is Who Directory and Professional of the Year 2012 – 2013. As I am outside the age limit I feel the necessity to await favourable consideration before approaching professionals for support.