Celebrating African Women Trailblazers: Leading Change and Transforming Society
“Women have always been the ones who have made change happen in Africa. They are the ones who keep families together, who educate their children, who build communities.” – Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist and Nobel laureate
The African woman is a powerful force. Since ancient times, she has been the backbone of many communities, and her resilience and strength have been instrumental to driving economic and social development.
From rising stars to established icons, these trailblazing women are taking the continent by storm, transforming industries, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. They are a game charger as scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists, proving that nothing is impossible.
As we celebrate the powerhouses of African women, taking the lead and making history. Let us remember that women in Africa have stood tall despite challenges and stereotyping throughout generations, even so, they continue to rise above adversity and make a lasting impact on the world. From politics and business to social activism and entertainment, African women are breaking barriers and making their voices heard.
“Women are the backbone of society. They hold things together, and they are the ones who raise the next generation.” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian author and activist
As we celebrate 8th March International Women’s day, Its eminent we celebrate the achievements of African women and highlight the importance of women’s empowerment not only as a NEED but a RIGHT for a better community. In honour of their contributions, we celebrate these incredible women who have impacted Africa and the world paving the way for a brighter future.
Women Leading Change and Transforming Society
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf former President of Liberia is an inspiration to African women. As the first African woman to become the head of state , she opened the doors of women to believe in themselves as political leaders. She also won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting political harmony peace and elective leadership. As a promoter of good governance, advocating for women’s rights, and the value of education increased equity and equality of the people in Liberia.
Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim is a Mauritian politician and biodiversity scientist who served as the sixth president of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. Gurib-Fakim is the first woman elected as president of the country. She contributed significantly to the field of biodiversity research.
“The most important thing a woman can do for her community is to be a role model and show that it’s possible to achieve your dreams.” – Amina Mohammed, Nigerian diplomat and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General
Another example of women’s resilience is in the story of Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist played a crucial role in ending the country’s civil war. Gbowee led a women’s movement over the years that resulted in the 2003 peace agreement. In her efforts to promote peace in her community, Gbowee exemplifies the power of women to bring about positive change.
In our generation we are proud of women of Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations championing sustainable development and gender equality on a global level. We salute Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization, working to ensure a more inclusive and fair global trading system.
African women are also making their mark in business. A good example is Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, who founded soleRebels, a shoe company founded by an Ethiopian entrepreneur. SoleRebels is a leading provider of eco-friendly shoes made from recycled materials. This has created job opportunities for over 1,000 people in Ethiopia. Alemu’s story is an example of the power of entrepreneurship to create economic growth and sustainability.
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim was a prominent women’s rights activist and politician in Sudan. in her quest to champion women’s rights and empowerment, she arose against All Odds to become the first woman to be elected to the Sudanese parliament in 1965. She used her position to become the change and champion of women positing themselves in the spaces of policy and power. This was a limelight of women that ‘yes they can’.
In A Kenyan a female politician named Naisula Lesuuda is the first Maasai-speaking female elected to the Kenyan House of Representatives where she advocated for women’s rights and women’s economic empowerment.
Winnie Byanyima is a Ugandan diplomat and politician who has worked on a variety of issues, including gender equality, poverty reduction, and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
Rwandan journalist Nasra Bishumba is a prominent advocate for gender issues in the country. she used her writing platforms to highlighted issues especially women’s rights, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.
The Nigerian Flying Doctors Nigeria service founded by Dr. Ola Orekunrin-Brown, and it has saved many lives in remote areas without access to roads because of this service.
One of the pioneering entrepreneurs of Ghana, Esther Afua Ocloo, founded several successful businesses, including a food processing company. Besides advocating for women’s economic empowerment, she helped set up several organizations that support women entrepreneurs.
Kakenya Ntaiya has been a vocal proponent of women’s education and empowerment through her work at the Kakenya Center for Excellence, empowering girls through education opportunities especially for the rural girls.
“When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.” – Graça Machel, Mozambican politician and humanitarian
Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Wangari was the first female scholar from East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate (in biology). She paved the way to recognize women scholars in Africa and beyond.
African women are also setting pace as trailblazers in entertainment industry. An example is Lupita Nyong’o, the Kenyan actress and Academy Award winner a symbol of beauty and talented women of Africa. Tiwa Savage, the Nigerian singer-songwriter who has taken the music industry by storm with her powerful vocals and message of female empowerment.
Standing tall on the shoulders of the giants
As well as these African women, many others have contributed significantly to their communities and to Africa as a whole.
African women have an unwavering spirit and an unwavering determination that speak volumes about their strength and resilience. Africa and the world have benefited from their contributions. As we celebrate women’s day, let us remember the shoulders of the women we stand on.
“The future of Africa is in the hands of women.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian politician and Nobel laureate.
To the women mentioned here and those who are many but not mentioned, we celebrate you. Thank you for showing us the power of resilience and strength. Bravo African women.
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Makula
Wonderful article … Thank you for celebrating our own