The history of Africa has numerous examples of women continuing to smash glass ceilings, as leadership is gender-neutral. Among the qualities of these women, in addition to their political talents, they are loved for their elegance and presence. From presidents to ministers, these women are changing the narrative for women across Africa. Here are 20 of Africa’s most beautiful and inspiring women politicians.
Sahle-Work Zewde – Ethiopia
Sahle-Work Zewde made history as Ethiopia’s first female president, and is known for her poised diplomacy and commitments to solidarity and unity, which she exemplifies through her grace and leadership. She has been able to elevate Ethiopia’s prominence on a global scale due to her level of presence.
Amina J. Mohammed – Nigeria
Amina J. Mohammed, former environment minister of Nigeria and current UN Deputy Secretary-General, is known for her elegance and professionalism. Her influence in policy is bolstered by a warm and approachable personality, as her impact transcends national borders.
Samia Suluhu Hassan – Tanzania
Samia Suluhu Hassan is Tanzania’s first female president, whose composure and intelligence are her hallmarks. She combines charismatic and determined styles that naturally bring women and men to the political sphere with all she does.
Joyce Banda – Malawi
Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi, is known for her charisma and commitment to empowering women. Banda has repeatedly utilised her position to promote issues around social justice, health, and education initiatives throughout Malawi.
Graça Machel – Mozambique
Graça Machel is well-recognized for her advocacy for children and women’s rights. Machel’s sophistication is matched by decades of effective activism, making her a role model in Mozambique and throughout Africa.
Keep Reading
Other Notable Female Politicians
Africa is richly endowed with many other amazing women who have played a significant role in shaping political environments in their respective countries.
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia is perhaps the best known of the group; she was the first woman in Africa to be elected as head of state and brought both hope and stability to her country.
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria is an internationally renowned economist and former finance minister known for her capacity to lead.
- Fatou Bensouda of the Gambia, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, is also known for her grace and commitment to justice.
Other remarkable women worth noting who have an influence on the lives of African women are Fawzia Koofi, a leading advocate for both the African diaspora and women’s rights, and many other members of parliament and ministers who seamlessly incorporate good fashion sense into their exceptional leadership style.
Conclusion
These women demonstrate that elegance and leadership can coexist. The intelligence, charisma, and resilience of these women of political significance will certainly empower the next generation of future African women leaders into the political realm as role models. These women will continue to break stereotypes and `make normative changes through grace and elegance. They are creating what it means to be a leader on the African continent, and they best demonstrate that one can lead with both power and grace.
