- 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 Maverick
When the Malawian government dithered in announcing President Bingu wa Mutharika's death on Thursday, anxious citizens feared the worst. A struggle for power would plunge Malawi even further into turmoil. But now as Joyce Banda assumes Mutharika's mantle -- and with it the country's woes -- she is also tasked with managing the expectations of Malawians.
Lilongwe — In an interview with an Aljazeera news anchor, the newly sworn-in Republic of Malawi President, Joyce Banda said "my election (in 2009) as the vice president and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberian president) shows that Africans have grown in democracy [and] they have confidence in both women and men in leading them. Africans have decided that the time is now that women can also participate in leadership."
Source: TheWashingtonPost
Source: The Sowetan
THE ascendency of Joyce Banda to power in Malawi is an achievement, but it may not necessarily mean much for the women of that country beyond the symbolism.
Source: Women's E-News
After years of repression, Aicha Dhaouadi is serving parliament for the Islamist party. "Try to know us more," she says to those who suspect a veneer of moderation. Last of three profiles of women playing active roles in post-revolutionary Tunisia.
Source: VOA
Malawi's new president originally rose to prominence as a women's rights advocate. But Shereen Essof, a regional coordinator for feminist group Just Associates in Southern Africa, says President Joyce Banda may not be able to continue the battle for gender equality in the same way as president.
Source: Africa Review
Mauritius is set to launch a National Women's Council Bill to boost their empowerment and fair representation in high offices, official said.
Source: ANGOP
The Angolan Minister of Family and Women Promotion, Genoveva Lino, said on Sunday that the women meeting happening in Brasilia will empower them to improve some challenges that they face in their countries.
Source: ANGOP
The 15th congress of the International Democratic Federation of Women (IDFW), gathering over 100 women from various parts of the world, started last Sunday, in Brazil, ANGOP has learnt.
Source: Times of Zambia
THE ascendance of Mrs Joyce Banda to the high office of President of Malawi in line with the provisions of the central African nation's constitution, following the death of Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, has renewed hope for a continent steadily breaking with past practices that have long cast it in poor light.