It is impossible to ignore or dispute the influence of women in society and globally. International Women’s Day is about more than just honoring women; it’s about recognizing how they have influenced, shaped, and made the world a better place.
As a result of these African women’s struggles against oppression, women now have the freedom to express themselves and are not subject to oppression.
1. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
A political activist and educator from Nigeria, she bravely battled for women’s rights and the country’s independence. She founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union in the early 20th century to fight against repressive laws and promote women’s involvement in politics. Future generations of African feminists benefited from Ransome-Kuti’s activism. 
2. Huda Sha’arawi
Sha’arawi, a feminist icon and pioneer of the Egyptian women’s rights movement, established the Egyptian Feminist Union. She was also an outspoken supporter of women’s social equality, education, and suffrage.
3. Fatima Mernissi
Mernissi, a well-known sociologist, author, and feminist activist, questioned established conventions and promoted women’s empowerment and rights in Moroccan society.
Mernissi is well-known for her sociopolitical perspectives on gender and sexual identities, particularly as they relate to Morocco and other Muslim nations. As a well-known public speaker, scholar, educator, author, and sociologist, she is recognized as a significant feminist figure.
The book “Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in Muslim Society,” written by Mernissi for her doctoral thesis, acknowledges the influence of Muslim women in the context of Islam.
4. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Sirleaf led Liberia as the continent’s first democratically elected female president from 2006 to 2018. She was a Nobel Peace Prize winner and an unwavering supporter of democracy, peace, and women’s empowerment.
5. Angélique Kidjo
Kidjo, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, is a worldwide symbol of African music and a fervent supporter of social justice and human rights. She also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
6. Wangari Maathai
She is an environmentalist from Kenya and the first woman from Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Maathai, the founder of the Green Belt Movement, connected social and political change with environmental preservation by empowering women through tree-planting campaigns. Eco-feminists around the world are still motivated by her legacy.
7. Graça Machel
The widow of former South African President Nelson Mandela (1998–2013) and former Mozambican President Samora Machel (1975–1986), Machel is a political activist and humanitarian who fervently supports women’s empowerment, education, and children’s rights. In recognition of her humanitarian efforts, Queen Elizabeth II named Machel an honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1997.
Machel is a global champion for women’s and children’s rights. She is the only female first lady of both Mozambique and South Africa in modern history.
8. Queen Nzinga Mbande
Queen Nzinga, who lived in the 17th century, is renowned for her leadership and strategic acumen during the Portuguese colonization of Angola.
In order to defend her people and preserve independence, Queen Nzinga skillfully negotiated, led military campaigns, and formed alliances while fiercely opposing European influence. Her legacy has served as an inspiration to succeeding generations in the area and represents resistance against oppression.
9. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Mlambo-Ngcuka, a well-known politician and diplomat, was the Executive Director of UN Women and is an ardent supporter of women’s empowerment and gender equality.
10. Charlotte Maxeke
As the first Black woman to earn a university degree in 1901, she was a trailblazer in South Africa. Maxeke, a supporter of women’s rights and education, co-founded the Bantu Women’s League, laying the groundwork for later anti-apartheid campaigns.
These extraordinary women, some well-known and others less well-known, represent the fortitude, tenacity, and resolve of African women who, in spite of all obstacles, transformed their world and still serve as role models for future generations. Their tales inspire women and girls everywhere by demonstrating that anything is achievable with perseverance, hard work, and a desire to change the world.
SOURCE: IBIENE
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