While there are many women in the continent who are making a difference on a daily basis, Inside Politics has carefully selected a few among many who continue to put the continent on the global map.
DR NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA: Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr NgoZi Okonjo-Iweala, is one of the most respected business women leaders in the African continent. She is credited with successfully managing Nigeria’s economy and resources during her term in office, resulting with Nigeria’s GDP surpassing that of South Africa. Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed her as a member of the country’s Economic Advisory Council. Okonjo-Iweala is the former Managing Director Operations, World Bank.
DR PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA: The former Deputy President of South Africa is a gender activist and a champion of women’s rights. She is the United Nations’ Executive Director for Women in New York, United States. Mlambo-Ngcuka believes that more men must commit to the fight against gender-based violence.
DR GRACA MACHEL: Dr Graca Machel is a human rights activist and an international advocate for women’s and children’s rights. She was made an honorary British Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for her humanitarian work, Machel is the widow of former President Nelson Mandela and Samora Machel, Mozambique’s first president.
DR JOYCE BANDA: Dr Joyce Banda became the country’s first female president in 2012 after then-president Bingu wa Mutharika died following a cardiac arrest. Banda is a champion for the rights of women, children, the disabled, and other marginalized groups. While serving as Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, Banda championed the enactment of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill in 2006, which provides a legal framework for the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.
BONANG MATHEBA: Bonang Matheba is the most influential businesswoman, television and media personality in the African continent. Matheba was recently featured in Forbes Africa’s March issue which celebrates Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women. She is the most sough-after Master of Ceremonies, and has hosted many international events such as the Sentebale Gala Dinner in the presence of Prince Harry of Wales (2013), the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards and the recent E! Entertainment Brand Evolution Celebration Event.
WINNIE BYANYIMA: “There is no other way. To end AIDS, we must end inequality,” says Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, effective from November 2019. She is also a Ugandan aeronautical engineer, politician, and diplomat.
LUPITA NYONG’O: Daughter of a Kenyan politician, Lupita Nyong’o won an Oscar for best supporting actress in a film, 12 Years A Slave, directed by Steve McQueen. She is a WildAid global ambassador for elephants. In 2014, Nyong’o became the first black ambassador for Lancôme, a prestigious beauty and skin-care brand. She has also worked with Tiffany & Co. in 2016 and Calvin Klein in 2018.
ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is credited with for he efforts in bringing peace to Liberia after a prolonged civil war which saw thousands of ordinary Liberians killed, maimed and disappear. In 2011, she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. As the first female head of state ever to be democratically elected in Africa, she has worked to promote peace, reconciliation and social and economic development.
FATOU BENSOUDA: Fatou Bensouda, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has ruffled feathers since she was appointed to the powerful position. The State of Israel has branded her Enemy Number One, because she believes that the country has committed war crimes. In Africa, the 58-year-old Bensouda has been accused of targeting African leaders and ignoring atrocities committed by American and European leaders.
CASTER SEMENYA: Despite facing discrimination in sport, double Olympian champion Caster Semenya won’t stop fighting for her right to run. Since refusing to take testosterone-lowering medication‚ Semenya is forbidden from competing in any event from 400m to the mile. She was awarded gold medals at the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Summer Olympics, all in the 800 metres.
(Compiled by Charles Molele)
