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Power Moves: The Women Changing Africa’s Leadership

Across sub-Saharan Africa, a remarkable shift is happening. A new wave of female leaders is taking charge, transforming political landscapes in countries once dominated by men. From Ghana to Namibia, women are assuming high-profile roles that were once the preserve of their male counterparts, signaling significant progress in gender equality within the political realm. Yet, as these women break barriers, the question remains: is Africa truly advancing in terms of female political representation, or are these appointments just symbolic gestures in countries that still face deep-rooted gender inequality?

As of late, the political sphere in Africa has witnessed an encouraging trend of women assuming key political positions. Ghana’s election of its first female vice president, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Namibia’s election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as president-elect have been major milestones. These appointments are not isolated incidents but part of a broader movement across the continent in which more women are occupying powerful positions.

In addition to Ghana and Namibia, other countries are also making strides in increasing female participation in politics. In Togo, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé became the first female prime minister, while in Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja made history as the country’s first female prime minister. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa was appointed as prime minister, adding to the growing list of women leading nations across Africa. Namibia’s political leadership is now predominantly female, with the country’s president and prime minister both women, which is especially noteworthy considering the historical trend of women being relegated to ministerial positions that focus on “soft” issues like gender equality and social development.

Rwanda Leading the Charge

Perhaps the most notable success story in female political representation on the continent is Rwanda. With over 60% of its seats in the lower house of parliament held by women, Rwanda is a global leader in female political participation. The country’s journey toward gender parity in politics began with a groundbreaking constitutional amendment in 2003, which set a 30% quota for women in elected positions. Political parties also adopted their own voluntary quotas for female candidates, a move that has clearly paid off.

Rwanda’s progress serves as an example for the rest of Africa. The country’s leadership has made it clear that increasing the number of women in politics is not just a matter of equity but of effectiveness. Rwanda’s approach to gender equality has resulted in significant gains in women’s empowerment, making it one of the most gender-inclusive countries in the world.

Despite Rwanda’s success, the situation remains far from perfect, and there are still many obstacles for women aspiring to political leadership roles in other African countries. In many places, women continue to face pervasive discrimination, entrenched patriarchy, and misogyny. These barriers are compounded by social norms and financial challenges that make it difficult for women to compete in elections on an equal footing with men.

The Challenges: A Deep-Rooted Struggle

One of the most significant challenges for women in politics is the financial capital required to run a successful campaign. In many African countries, politics is viewed as a business, with political campaigns requiring substantial funding. Male politicians often have the advantage of personal wealth or access to funding from friends, business associates, or political backers, making it easier for them to launch and sustain their campaigns. Women, on the other hand, often face financial barriers that prevent them from entering politics or running for higher offices.

Kenyan political analyst Nerima Wako-Ojiwa highlighted how the steep costs of campaigning discourage many women from participating in politics. Women in Kenya, for example, face additional social stigma, with the societal view that women who pursue careers in politics must be “tough” and even “crazy.” Wako-Ojiwa pointed out that many women face rejection from their families for wanting to enter politics, and they often encounter online and physical harassment. This combination of financial, social, and psychological obstacles is a significant deterrent for many potential female leaders.

Rose Reuben, the executive director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association, echoed similar sentiments about the societal obstacles facing women in politics. In Tanzania, she noted that many people still believe women are not capable of holding the highest offices in the country. Changing these deeply ingrained attitudes is a long-term project, but it remains a critical hurdle for women aspiring to political leadership.

Mixed Progress Across the Continent

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 provides a mixed picture of gender equality in Africa. Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa are among the top African countries that have made substantial progress in closing the gender gap, with more than 70% of the gap closed in these nations. These countries are far ahead of regions like South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, where gender inequality remains more entrenched.

However, several countries in Africa still lag behind in gender equality, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Chad performing poorly in terms of female political representation. The report underscores that while there have been significant gains in certain countries, gender equality in leadership roles across the continent remains a distant goal. UN Women estimates that, at the current pace of progress, gender equality in the highest political positions will not be achieved for another 130 years.

Despite this, there are encouraging signs that the pace of change is accelerating. Women are increasingly making their presence felt in high-profile leadership roles, even in traditionally male-dominated spaces. One of the most significant developments is the growing number of women vying for the presidency and other top offices.

A Tanzanian Showdown

In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking re-election in the upcoming October 2024 elections. Suluhu made history as Tanzania’s first female president, taking office in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on economic development, as well as efforts to restore the country’s international standing after Magufuli’s controversial leadership.

In what is being hailed as a milestone, this year’s elections will see two women facing off for the presidency. Suluhu, who is running for re-election under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, will be challenged by Dorothy Semu, who is running for the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) Wazalendo party. Reuben noted that this is a significant moment in Tanzanian politics, as it is the first time that two women are competing for the presidency in a major election.

While Suluhu has been praised for her pragmatic leadership style, her administration has not been without controversy. During the 2022 local elections, opposition politicians were subjected to frequent arrests, abductions, and killings, which has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Nevertheless, Reuben believes that Suluhu’s candidacy represents a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape, marking the first time that a major political party has nominated a woman for the highest office.

Ghana’s Long Road to Gender Equality

Ghana has also made notable strides in increasing female political participation, with the election of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the country’s first female vice president. Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment has been hailed as a milestone for gender equality in Ghana, a country where female political participation has historically been low. However, there are concerns that the country’s political system remains “woman-unfriendly,” particularly its candidate-centered electoral system, which has made it difficult for women to gain significant political representation.

In response to these concerns, Ghana passed an affirmative action bill in 2024 that aims to increase female political representation to 30% by 2030. The bill, which had been in the making for nearly 30 years, provides a legal framework for enforcing women’s participation in political life, decision-making, and governance. Mavis Zupork Dome, a research analyst at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, described the bill as a “big milestone,” as it opens doors for more women to enter the political space.

Despite the passage of the affirmative action bill, Dome pointed out that political parties in Ghana must be “intentional” about selecting women as candidates for political office. The political will to create space for women in leadership roles will be crucial in ensuring that the law’s provisions are fully implemented.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Gender Parity

The progress made by women in politics across Africa is undeniable, but significant challenges remain. In order to achieve true gender parity in political leadership, it is essential for African countries to address the structural barriers that hinder women’s participation in politics. This includes tackling financial barriers, dismantling patriarchal norms, and ensuring that political parties and governments are committed to providing women with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in political careers.

The future of female political representation in Africa looks promising, but it will require sustained effort from both men and women to create an environment where women can thrive in political leadership. With more women breaking through the barriers of traditional political systems, there is hope that the next generation of African women leaders will be able to shatter the glass ceilings that have long held them back.

As the African political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the power moves being made by women across the continent are paving the way for a new era of political leadership. Women’s voices are being heard louder than ever before, and the impact of their leadership will shape the future of Africa for generations to come.

EXCERPT

Power moves: The women changing Africa’s leadership
Okeri Ngutjinazo
13 hours ago13 hours ago

From Ghana to Namibia, recent appointments of women to top political positions have been encouraging. But with more women in significant roles, are African nations really boosting female political representation?

Guests watch the swearing in of John Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang
Ghana has elected its first female vice president, but female participation in parliament is still low
Image: Julius Mortsi/ZUMA Press Wire/Imago Images
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With Ghanaian Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assuming high governmental positions in their respective countries, it seems the tide is turning towards more women across Africa holding politically powerful roles.

Other sub-Saharan African prime ministers include Togo’s Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Namibia’s Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Uganda’s Robinah Nabbanja, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Judith Suminwa.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (C) interviewed outside a polling station in Windhoek, NamibiaNetumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (C) interviewed outside a polling station in Windhoek, Namibia
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became Namibia’s president-elect after winning the presidential election in December 2024.
Image: Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua News Agency/picture alliance

Namibia’s president and prime minister are both women. This is notable given that the five most common ministerial posts previously held by female cabinet members were for women and gender equality, family and children affairs, social inclusion and development, social protection and social security, and Indigenous and minority affairs.
Rwanda leading the movement

According to the United Nations’ Women division, only six countries in the world have 50% or more women in their single or lower houses of parliament, with Rwanda leading globally at around 60%. Other countries on this list include Cuba, Nicaragua, Andorra, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.

Rwanda’s progress was spurred by special measures, starting with the 2003 constitution that set a 30% quota for women in elected positions. Political parties also adopted their own voluntary quotas for women candidates on party lists.
Rwanda: challenges and progress in gender equality
08:29
‘Almost crazy’ to run

But there are still serious obstacles. In many countries, women face discrimination, patriarchy, and misogyny.

Kenyan political analyst Nerima Wako-Ojiwa told DW that, in her country, the steep financial capital needed to run an election campaign, and social stigma attached to becoming a career politician discouraged many women from standing for political office.

“We see a lot of men who enter politics are businessmen, and they run their own businesses or they will have their friends support their campaign,” she said.

She added that women have faced being disowned by family, and many face online and physical harassment.

“The impression that politics has is that you have to be some [certain] type of woman, almost crazy, and almost, in a sense, iron-tough to be able to vie [for power],” she told DW.

“Women are not trusted to be in the highest position of governing the country. So one of the challenges is [the] people who still have that perspective of no women in higher positions,” Rose Reuben, the executive director for the Tanzania Media Women’s Association told DW.
Mixed picture for women’s representation in politics

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 indicates that Rwanda, along with other sub-Saharan African countries like Namibia and South Africa, has closed more than 70% of the overall gender gap. This places them ahead of regions like South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusPresident Samia Suluhu Hassan and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is standing for re-election in October
Image: State House of Tanzania

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Chad are the lowest-performing countries, with scores below 62%.

Despite some achievements across Africa, the UN Women division states that, at the current pace worldwide, “gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be achieved for another 130 years” and more still needs to be done to involve women in government.
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A Tanzanian showdown

President Samia Suluhu Hassan hopes to lead Tanzania again as the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate in October’s general elections. This time, two women will face off against each other. Dorothy Semu will represent the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) Wazalendo.

Reuben sees this as a milestone.

“Women have vied for this position, but most of them were coming from opposition parties. This is the first time that CCM has a woman who is going to this position, so it is a milestone,” she told DW.

The 65-year-old leader became president after John Magufuli’s death in 2021. Suluhu’s tenure began with optimism, pledging to reverse many of Magufuli’s controversial policies.

However, she drew criticism during last year’s local election for frequent arrests, abductions, and killings of opposition politicians.

According to Reuben, the CCM has evaluated and monitored Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, and believes she is the CCM’s best chance of retaining the presidency.
Meet Tundu Lissu: The leader of Tanzania’s Chadema party
02:10
Challenges with Ghana’s electoral system

In West Africa, Ghana’s candidate-centered electoral system has been criticized as “woman unfriendly.” However, the country finally signed an affirmative action bill into law in 2024, before December elections, aiming to increase female political representation to 30% by 2030. The gender equality bill had been in the making for nearly 30 years.

Many analysts and activists believe the law is long overdue, as women have long held fewer positions in decision-making bodies.

Mavis Zupork Dome, a research analyst at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, told DW the bill provides legal backing for enforcing women’s participation in political space, political life, decision-making, and governance.
Poster displaying the portraits of vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang (R) and Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama (L)Poster displaying the portraits of vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang (R) and Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama (L)
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is Ghana’s first female vice president
Image: NIPAH DENNIS/AFP

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has appointed 42 ministers, with only seven of them being women, sparking mixed reactions. But the election of the country’s first female vice president, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, could bring hope for future changes.

Dome believes this is a big milestone for Ghana because “it indicates that we are making some progress,” and opens the door “for more women to get into the political space.”

Especially since over the years, Dome noted, Ghana had made little headway when it came to female participation in governance, electoral representation, and parliament. This is despite a recent Afrobarometer survey

showing that over 70% of Ghanaians believe women should have the same opportunities as men to be elected into political office, and women should enjoy equal rights.

To encourage women to run in constituencies, Dome says political parties need to be “intentional about women being their candidates” and there also needs to be a “political will” to make space for women.

Source: DW