- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – President of the Republic of Liberia
- Joyce Banda – President of the Republic of Malawi
- Catherine Samba-Panza – Interim President of the Central African Republic
There is progress here and there on the continent regarding women's rights . We must go much further to ensure greater gender equality in Africa. It is not just a matter of justice....When women take their rightful place at the negotiating table, in the parliament and in leadership positions across society, we can unleash Africa’s enormous potential..." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
To learn more about women's political participation, please visit the following websites:
Source: Genderlinks
Johannesburg, 7 February: While South Africa celebrates 20 years of democracy this year, the country will also be holding its national election, the first since 1994, without Madiba. If the last two months are anything to go by, we will surely witness one of the most interesting, perhaps entertaining, elections yet.
Source: New Era
WINDHOEK – Rural women are calling on government to introduce laws and policies relating to the promotion of women's political and socio-economic empowerment that are practical, sustainable and tangible.
Source: BBC News Tunis
Tunisia's new constitution could usher in momentous change for women, following the adoption of a clause which guarantees gender equality in legislative assemblies and for steps to be taken to protect women against violence, a first in the Arab world.
Source: Forbes
The young women and girls from Africa have spoken. Their message was delivered in a statement during the just ended African Union (A.U) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which took place from 20 to 31 January. More than 30 African heads of state gathered on Thursday for the opening session of 22nd A.U Heads of State meeting under the theme "agriculture and food security".
Source: Cameroon Tribune
In line with the 2014 Commonwealth Day on the theme "Women as agents of change," the British High Commission in Yaounde has decided to set up a local scholarship scheme dubbed "The Cameroon Women's Scholarship."
Source: Tanzania Daily News
ACTIVISTS in the sister islands of Pemba and Zanzibar are doubtful whether the 601-member Constituent Assembly tasked to discuss and approve the proposed new Union Constitution would have the full participation of women.
Source: Daily Maverick
Catherine Samba-Panza is the new president of the Central African Republic, and it's her job to get that country back on its feet after a year of near anarchy and vicious blood-letting. Has she got the necessary skills? Maybe. But she can't do it on her own.
Source: Daily Trust
“We need more women leaders! When women lead side by side with men, it is good for equality and democracy. It is good for peace and stability. It is good for business. When women and men make decisions together, the decisions better reflect and respond to the diverse needs and rights of the entire population.” UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the launch of Women Leading Africa Programme in Namibia on 24 October, 2013.
Source: The Guardian
After 18 years as a social activist in Somaliland, Suad Abdi feels it is time to run for parliament. But she stands as much chance of winning a seat as a camel has of passing through the eye of a needle.
Source: AlertNet
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete has appointed two women to powerful cabinet positions as the country prepares to enact a new constitution.
Source: Leadership (Abuja)
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday urged women to justify the confidence reposed in them by their male counterparts and be agents of positive change.