In celebration of CLGF’s 30th Anniversary, we are honoured to spotlight the inspiring stories of 30 trailblazing women in local government from across the Commonwealth, all members of the Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network. These interviews celebrate their groundbreaking contributions to gender equality and their transformative impact on building inclusive, empowered communities.

Rohey Malick Lowe (The Gambia)

Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe made history in 2018 as the first female mayor of Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, and was re-elected in 2023—becoming the first mayor in the capital city to serve a second term. A founding member of the United Democratic Party, and currently 2^nd Vice President of the Party, internationally she holds leadership roles including President of the Network of the Elected Women Leaders in Africa (REFELA) and 2nd Vice Chair of the Global Parliament of Mayors. Since being elected, she has integrated women and girls into the city’s budget, offered scholarships, led mentorship programmes, and conducted advocacy to help women understand their rights and work towards greater economic independence.

Read her full interview here

Akeliah Glasgow-Warner (Trinidad and Tobago)

Her Worship Akeliah Claudina Glasgow-Warner is the inaugural Mayor of the Borough of Diego Martin, making history in 2023 as its first officeholder. With over seven years in politics and more than 14 years in youth development, she is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2024, she was appointed Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Local Government Authorities (TTALGA), strengthening her influence in national local governance. She cites her mother and grandmother as her inspiration to entered local government, to be the change that they wanted to see and to make everyday life better for the people of the community.

Read her full interview here

Mazeena Bucker (Sri Lanka)

Mazeena Bucker is currently serving her second term as a Councillor for the Moratuwa Municipal Council, representing the United National Party (UNP). She brings experience from the private sector and has served as the former Director of Ceybank Holiday Homes. As a council member, her primary focus has been to encourage and empower young women to enter the political sphere. Her most rewarding experience as a woman leader in local government has been creating safe spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued during decision making processes. Leading initiatives that improve access to education, health care and entrepreneurship opportunities for women have demonstrated the transformative power of inclusion.

Read her full interview here

CLGF 30th Anniversary Commemoration

The Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network (ComWLG) is championing women leaders from all corners of the Commonwealth. You can also view the full set of interviews on the 30 for 30 page

We are active across social media, and we have a dedicated facebook page where you can network with others interested in women in leadership and women’s political empowerment.