Throughout history, the road to success has often been fraught with obstacles for women. Breaking into male-dominated fields or achieving monumental milestones requires immense strength, resilience, and courage. For women, especially in environments that persistently stereotype, shame, or sideline their capabilities, achieving such feats demands more than just effort—it takes enduring pain, pushing past deeply ingrained biases, and rising above societal expectations.
The stories of Africa’s pioneering women reflect this reality. These women did not just succeed in their respective fields; they shattered glass ceilings, redefined what women are capable of, and inspired future generations to dream bigger. Each of them overcame significant personal, cultural, and institutional challenges, leaving an indelible mark on history. Below are the stories of these trailblazing women, the first females to accomplish extraordinary feats in Africa and beyond.
1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – The first female president in Africa (Liberia).
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, known internationally as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” is a towering figure in both African and global political history. A leader of immense resilience, Sirleaf’s legacy extends far beyond her title as Liberia’s first female president, as she is also the first female head of state in Africa. Her life, marked by personal and political trials, is a testament to the strength and determination required to break barriers in environments where gender biases and societal stereotypes often stifle female progress.
Born to a family of mixed Gola and German heritage, Sirleaf’s path to leadership was unique from the beginning. Her father was the first indigenous Liberian to hold a seat in the national legislature, and she herself was educated at the prestigious College of West Africa in Monrovia. At the age of 17, she married James Sirleaf, and while the marriage eventually ended, her pursuit of knowledge and leadership never wavered. In 1961, she travelled to the United States to further her education in economics and business administration. She later earned a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University in 1971, propelling her into the world of politics and governance.
Her entry into public service came under President William Tolbert, where she served as assistant minister of finance, and later, under Samuel K. Doe’s military regime, she was appointed as finance minister. During these years, Sirleaf gained a reputation for her personal integrity, but this also put her in conflict with both governments. She was imprisoned twice during Doe’s dictatorship, and her open criticism of his regime during the 1985 national elections almost cost her life, as she narrowly avoided execution. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was eventually released and fled into exile.
Sirleaf’s years of exile were spent working for the United Nations, where she held the position of director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the UN Development Programme from 1992 to 1997. During this time, Liberia continued to face civil war, and Sirleaf was one of the few voices actively working toward peace and governance reform. Her dedication to her country and her leadership in global affairs made her a strong contender in Liberia’s 1997 presidential election, although she lost to Charles Taylor. After being accused of treason, Sirleaf went into exile again, but she remained a vital force in Liberia’s future, helping to prepare the country for democratic elections in the early 2000s.
In 2005, Sirleaf returned to run for president once more, winning the election and taking office in January 2006. As president, she faced enormous challenges, including an 80% unemployment rate and the aftermath of years of civil war. Yet, Sirleaf managed to secure significant debt relief and millions in foreign investment, making significant strides in Liberia’s recovery. Her work led to the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to heal ethnic tensions and address corruption. Her leadership earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, awarded for her nonviolent efforts to promote peace and women’s rights.
Sirleaf’s journey to the presidency and her remarkable achievements reflect her resilience and unyielding spirit. Despite imprisonment, political exile, and the immense responsibility of leading a country ravaged by war, she emerged as one of Africa’s most influential leaders. Her memoir, This Child Will Be Great, offers an in-depth reflection on her life and leadership, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer for women across the world.
2. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – The first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In a world where women are often underrepresented in leadership roles, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stands out as a formidable figure. As the first female finance minister of Nigeria and the first woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), her career is a testament to resilience and determination. However, her journey has not been without significant challenges, as she navigated a landscape fraught with gender bias and cultural hurdles.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since March 2021. She is a renowned global finance expert, economist, and development professional with over 40 years of experience in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Okonjo-Iweala has held high-profile roles, including twice serving as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015) and briefly as Foreign Minister, making her the first woman to hold both positions. She successfully led reforms, particularly negotiating Nigeria’s $30 billion debt relief with the Paris Club.
Her career includes 25 years at the World Bank, where she rose to Managing Director. She is also known for her leadership in global initiatives such as being Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and AU Special Envoy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Okonjo-Iweala was the first woman and African candidate for the World Bank presidency in 2012. She has received numerous awards, including being listed among Forbes’ Most Powerful Women and TIME’s Most Influential People.
Okonjo-Iweala holds a degree from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from MIT. She has written several books and articles on global development and leadership. She is married to Dr. Ikemba Iweala and has four children.
3. Samia Suluhu Hassan – The First Female President of Tanzania
Samia Suluhu Hassan made history on March 19, 2021, when she was sworn in as Tanzania’s first female president following the sudden death of her predecessor, President John Magufuli. She is not only the first woman to hold the office of the president in the country but also the first Zanzibari-born individual to hold the position.
Early Life and Career
Born on January 27, 1960, in Zanzibar, Samia’s journey to the highest office in Tanzania’s political landscape was marked by years of perseverance and dedication. She holds a degree in public administration from the Institute of Development Management (Mzumbe University) and furthered her studies in the UK and the US.
Her political career began in 2000 when she was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives in Zanzibar, before being appointed Minister of Labour, Gender Development, and Children in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. In 2010, she was elected to the Tanzanian National Assembly and appointed as the Minister of State for Union Affairs.
In 2015, Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female vice president of Tanzania, serving under President John Magufuli. Upon his passing, she seamlessly transitioned to the role of president, bringing calm and steady leadership during a politically turbulent time.
Samia Suluhu’s presidency marked a turning point for Tanzania, symbolising a step towards inclusivity in leadership. As president, she has focused on uniting the country, combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoting economic growth. Her leadership has earned her international recognition as a model for women’s empowerment and political participation in Africa.
4. Miriam Makeba – The First African Woman to Win a Grammy Award
Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” was a legendary South African singer and civil rights activist who became the first African woman to win a Grammy Award in 1966. This achievement made her an international icon, not only for her musical talent but also for her courageous activism against apartheid.
Early Life and Musical Career
Born on March 4, 1932, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Makeba grew up in a segregated society under the oppressive apartheid regime. She began singing professionally in the 1950s, gaining prominence with her appearance in the jazz musical King Kong and her recording with the South African group The Manhattan Brothers.
Miriam Makeba’s global breakthrough came in 1959 when she starred in the documentary Come Back, Africa, which was a scathing critique of apartheid. Her move to the United States shortly after propelled her to international fame. She worked with renowned artists like Harry Belafonte, and in 1966, she won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording alongside Belafonte for their album An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.
Activism and Exile
Makeba’s music was intertwined with her activism. She used her platform to speak out against the horrors of apartheid, and as a result, her South African citizenship was revoked, forcing her into exile for over 30 years. Her song “Pata Pata” became a global hit, but it was her unwavering stance against racial discrimination that solidified her place in history.
Makeba returned to South Africa in the 1990s following the end of apartheid and continued to advocate for social justice until her death in 2008. Her contributions to music and human rights remain legendary.
5. Wangari Maathai – The First African Woman to Win a Nobel Peace Prize
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who made history as the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was recognized for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace, particularly through her Green Belt Movement, which promoted environmental conservation and women’s rights.
Early Life and Education
Wangari Maathai was born on April 1, 1940, in Nyeri, Kenya. A bright student, she became one of the first Kenyan women to earn a PhD. She earned a degree in biological sciences from Mount St. Scholastica College in the United States before completing her master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She later returned to Kenya, where she became the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a PhD in Veterinary Anatomy from the University of Nairobi.
Environmental Advocacy and the Green Belt Movement
In 1977, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organisation focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. Through the movement, she advocated for the planting of trees to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and provide fuel and income to rural women in Kenya. The movement has planted over 50 million trees to date.
Nobel Peace Prize and Global Impact
In 2004, Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her “contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.” Her environmental work was recognized as a critical part of promoting peace, as she linked environmental degradation with poverty, conflict, and inequality.
Beyond her environmental efforts, Maathai was a staunch defender of human rights, democracy, and women’s empowerment. She served as a Member of Parliament in Kenya and as an Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources. Her work left a lasting impact on environmental policy, sustainable development, and women’s rights globally.
Wangari Maathai passed away in 2011, but her legacy as a pioneer for environmental and social justice continues to inspire movements around the world.
