African Superwomen
Posted: November 8, 2012
Women have long been the backbone of societies in Africa. It’s common to see images of women carrying babies on their backs while doing other chores: fetching water and firewood, digging in the garden, washing clothes, cooking food, winnowing grains and pounding with a pestle. This is all done to ensure that their families are fed and nurtured. These activities are done in humble obscurity. African women are now emerging from this reality to find their place in traditionally patriarchal societies.
Women are now gaining their place in leadership roles in the new millennium. Women are now presidents of nations, government leaders, business executives, peacemakers, and agents of change.
These are some of the women who are radically changing the perception of woman’s roles in Africa. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. It’s intended to be a starting point for people who wish learn more about the changing roles of women in Africa. If you know a African woman who you believe should be recognized, please provide information about her in the comments below.
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Marieme Jamme (@mjamme) is a London-based social entrepreneur, blogger, and technologist with a passionate commitment to helping empower Africans through education, leadership, and economic development. She is a co-founder of Africa Gathering.
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Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (@wanjirukr) is an activist, social entrepreneur, and Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco. She is the founder and director of Akili Dada.
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Dambisa Moyo (@dambisamoyo) is a Zambian economist and author of the bestselling book “Dead Aid“. She was named as one of 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2009.
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Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) is an award-winning columnist and an international public speaker on Arab and Muslim issues. She is a lecturer and researcher on the growing importance of social media in the Arab world.
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Magatte Wade (@magattew) is a self-proclaimed cultural adventurer and entrepreneur from Senegal. Her newest adventure explores the world of love, happiness, peace, and human sensuality. Discover Tiossan.
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Evelyn Namara (@enamara) has a strong background in information technology and systems management. She is the program coordinator for Solar Sister in Uganda. The organization seeks to alleviate energy poverty by empowering women with economic opportunity by utilizing the potential of solar technology.
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Rosebell Kagumire (@rosebellk) is a multimedia journalist working on peace and conflict issues in eastern Africa. She is passionate about promoting the work of bloggers and journalists to enhance human rights coverage.
