Many women played notable roles during the colonial era in Africa, from the struggles leading to independence to the final liberation of the continent from colonial rule. Some of the deeds of these heroic African Amazons were either forgotten or not recorded, while others were recorded and passed down from generation to generation, celebrating their importance to the history of the continent.
In the post-colonial era, many female activists, policymakers, and politicians have risen up against the negative issues bedeviling the continent and have played key roles in the advancement of Africa.
In this article, we highlight some African women who, through their positions as heads of state or heads of government, have contributed, and are still contributing, to the development of the continent. Their success stories have inspired and nurtured this generation and will carry on to do the same with the next generation, to raise pragmatic and forward-thinking female leaders who will go to great lengths to propel the continent from its doldrums.
