- 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:
Despite adopting scores of pious resolutions on gender empowerment over the last 67 years, the 193-member General Assembly has failed to practice in its own backyard what it has vigourously preached to the outside world.
Mphamvu kwa amai (women empowerment) needs to be institutionalized in all district initiatives if this country is to realize the 50-50 women representation in all social and economic development activities.
Source: RNW
No less than 35 percent of the newly elected MPs in Zimbabwe are women, thanks to a special electoral quota system to increase women's representation in Parliament. At age 29, Tionei Melody Dziva is the youngest of them. She has a strong desire to uplift the lives of women and youths.
Women’s rights groups in Tanzania are demanding that a new constitution clearly define the word ‘person’ to mean a man and a woman in a bid to promote gender equality.
A poor record on female representation means Zambia lags behind other sub-Saharan African countries. Extravagant electoral campaigns may be to blame.A poor record on female representation means Zambia lags behind other sub-Saharan African countries. Extravagant electoral campaigns may be to blame.
Source: The Hindu
Indian stands by Liberia in its efforts to pursue stability, economic growth and democratic governance, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday.
Women are increasingly challenging the traditional male monopoly of African politics. In Cameroon, campaigners have worked tirelessly to boost the chances of women standing in the country's pending elections.
THE election of women into Parliament will provide them with a platform to prove that they can perform just like their male counterparts, an outgoing Cabinet minister has said.Outgoing Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Dr Olivia Muchena, who was addressing a Women In Politics Support Unit meeting in Harare yesterday, expressed confidence in female leaders.
Speaker Rebecca Kadaga was yesterday elected the new chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - International (CWP).
The Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights has denounced what it called a “lean” representation of women on the Committee of 50 that is amending the constitution. With just five members, women only constitute ten percent.