- 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: Daily Trust
At a recent consultative session with a delegation of the Nigerian parliament, the National Assembly, the issue of women’s participation in politics came up, and one of the male parliamentarians said: “it’s not that we dislike your (women’s) participation in politics, in fact the Nigerian constitution does not discriminate against women, it’s just that you women are mostly not organised and you do not support and encourage yourselves”.
Source: The Star
Some 20 Kiambu women who lost in the March 4 elections have asked President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta to appoint them to government. They said it is only fair for Uhuru to appoint them because they spent their resources to campaign for elective posts.
Source: Cameroon Tribune
The call was first echoed at the Yaounde May 20 Avenue during their brilliant march past that marked festivities of the 28th edition of the International Women's Day, chaired by First Lady Mrs Chantal Biya.
Source: Global Times
The just concluded general elections in Kenya was sweet victory for the country's men who managed to clinch the bulk of strategic national leadership positions thanks to a patriarchal set up hostile to women's participation in civic affairs.
Source: African Arguments
Today is International Women's Day and the beginning of a month-long emphasis on the lives of women and the challenges and opportunities they face in the 21st century. At the RAS, we began the month with an event held at Parliament discussing women's political participation and leadership in Africa.
Source: AlJazeera
On this International Women's Day let women embrace themselves in multiple identities and complexities. Each of us embodies many realities all at the same time. The same woman who may be raped is also a mother, a professional worker, a migrant labourer, or.... None of our issues should be singularised although there are times they need priority.
Source: Egypt Independent
International Women's Day, celebrated on 8 March each year, is a day to honor women and the struggle for women's rights. Egypt Independent profiles three women leading very different lives, to explore some of the issues facing women in contemporary Egypt.
Source: ThisDay
Governments across Africa and other stakeholders have been urged to allow women participate more in their economies. The call was made by Regus Vice-President Africa & Middle East, Mrs. Joanne Bushell, in a statement issued ahead of the International Women's Day 2013, which is on 8 March. The theme of the Day is 'The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum'.
Source: Think Africa Press
As Kenyans go to the polls today, could Sophia Abdi Noor become the first ever Somali woman to be voted in to the Kenyan parliament?
Source: Capital FM
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has expressed concern over harassment and intimidation of women candidates, as the anticipated March 4 election draws near.
Source: Aswat Masriya
Political activists launched on Saturday an initiative called E'rafni (Know Me) to support women candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, to help convey their voices to everyone in Egypt.