SEATTLE — In some African countries, women have not always had access to education and the same rights and privileges that men have. However, these four empowering female politicians in Africa show how much progress has been in the political sphere and beyond.
4 Empowering Female Politicians in Africa
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is known for being the first woman elected president in Africa. After divorcing her abusive husband, she earned an economics degree from the University of Colorado. Sirleaf proceeded to obtain a Master’s degree from Harvard in 1971 and became Assistant Finance Minister under Liberian President William Tolbert, thus starting her political career. She had the courage to speak out against corrupt regimes but in return, was sentenced to jail and stripped of her political status. Although the administration was pressured into pardoning Sirleaf, she left Liberia for a number of years to escape the chaos. After joining the United Nations Development Program in the 1990s, she returned to Liberia to chair the Governance Reform Commission. Sirleaf was sworn in as president of Liberia in 2006 and during her presidency (which ended in 2018) she enforced equal rights for women, a right to free and universal elementary education and improved the economy. - Fatoumata Tambajang
Fatoumata Tambajang is the current Vice President of the Gambia. She first started her political career as the Advisor to Gambia’s First President on Women and Children Affairs and Chair of Gambia National Women’s Council. She rose to political prominence by protesting against the corrupt former President of the Gambia, Yahya Jammeh. After Jammeh’s regime was defeated, Tambajang was sworn in as Vice President in 2017. She has since advocated for women’s rights and poverty reduction. Because Tambajang has been so outspoken for women’s rights in the Gambia, her life has at times been in danger. She was once the victim of a hostage situation and has been monitored by the Gambia’s military. Despite these circumstances, Tambajang continues to be courageous and advocate for equal rights. - Sophia Abdi Noor
Sophia Abdi Noor made her mark on African politics as the first elected female member of parliament from Northeastern Kenya in 2017. She is also known as the founder of Womankind Kenya, an organization that advocates for women’s rights. Some key issues that Noor has fought for during her political career include young girls access to education, women’s rights in marriages and eliminating the cultural practice of female genital mutilation. She was quoted by Action Aid on the differences between what men desire from political leaders versus women. “I’ve reached perhaps half of the settlements in Ijara. In many places, they have no TV, radio, or newspapers. When I ask my constituents what they want, I hear the difference between women and men,” she said. “The men want money; while women ask for water, food, development, and education. That is why we also lack female leadership. I will continue my struggle as an activist when I get elected.”
- Alengot Oromait
Alengot Oromait has gained traction in the media in recent years as she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans in 2016. She was also the youngest elected parliament member in Uganda, and the entire continent of Africa at age 19. Her political career began shortly after her father, Member of Parliament Michael Oromait, died unexpectedly. Oromait then took her father’s role during re-election as a member of the National Resistance Movement. This party’s key issues, along with Oromait, includes women’s rights, education, environmental policies and health care. Along with her Influential Young African Award, she was also honored by Forbes by being included in the Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa. While being a member of parliament, Oromait balanced her political career while being a student at Uganda Christian University. Her role as member of parliament ended in 2016 and she ultimately decided not to seek re-election. Although her future plans are unclear, Oromait has placed her mark in the political sphere in Africa.
Although women still face adversity in several countries, these four empowering female politicians in Africa show how much progress has been made. Being the founder of influential organizations, advocating for important issues and even being political leaders are just a few examples of how women can make strides in their own communities.
– Maddison Hines
Photo: Flickr