Congratulations to African women! Congratulations to Namibia! Today, Namibia inaugurated its first female president, Ndeutala Angolo, in Windhoek, the capital city. She is 71 years old, a former freedom fighter, and a seasoned politician who won 58% of the votes. This is a significant milestone not just for Namibia but for Africa as a whole.
Yesterday, I asked a question: Was P.W. Botha right when he claimed that Africans lacked the capacity to govern themselves? Many people responded, and today, I want to highlight an area where Africa is ahead—not just in governance, but in gender representation. Africa has made remarkable strides in electing women into high political offices, more so than the United States and even Canada.
The Legacy of Strong African Women Leaders
Historically, Africa has seen formidable female leaders. Queen Njinga of Angola ruled for 40 years and successfully resisted Portuguese colonization. Her statue stands tall in Luanda, reminding us of her courage and leadership. Queen Amina of Zaria was a warrior queen who led military campaigns and expanded her kingdom. Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia, alongside Emperor Menelik II, played a crucial role in the historic defeat of Italy at the Battle of Adwa.
We also recall the Queen of Sheba, known in Ethiopia as Makeda, who was a powerful and influential ruler. These examples prove that African women have always been leaders, long before Western nations even considered gender equality in leadership.
Modern African Women in Leadership
In recent history, African women have continued to break barriers:
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – President from 2006 to 2018, she was Africa’s first elected female head of state.
Véronique Bérengère Kingi (Burundi) – Acting President from February to October 1993.
Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri (South Africa) – Acting President in September 2005.
Rose Francine Rogombé (Gabon) – Interim President from June to October 2009.
Agnes Monique Ohsan Bellepeau (Mauritius) – Acting President in 2012 and 2015.
Joyce Banda (Malawi) – President from April 2012 to May 2014.
Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic) – Interim President from January 2014 to March 2016.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius) – President from June 2015 to March 2018.
Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) – President since 2018.
Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) – President since March 2021.
Africa Leading the Way
Unlike the United States, which has never had a female president, Africa has demonstrated that women can lead at the highest levels of government. In some African nations, democracy has been more inclusive and gender-friendly, proving that with strong institutions and citizen participation, democracy can work effectively on the continent.
Beyond politics, African women have also made remarkable contributions in education and scholarship. Fatima al-Fihri of Morocco established the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding institution in the world. This university, with its distinctive green rooftops, has been a center of learning for over a thousand years.
The Role of Women in Redefining African Governance
While Africa faces governance challenges due to corruption and poor leadership, female presidents have generally been less corrupt than their male counterparts. It is time we give women more opportunities in leadership and governance. The girl child must be empowered, educated, and encouraged to take up leadership roles.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
God bless you. God bless African women. Congratulations, Namibia!
