Women Political Leaders in Africa

Abstract

This paper is titled Women Political Leaders in Africa. It traces the history of women in political leadership positions and the roles they played in redefining the politics of their respective countries from the pre-colonial, through the colonial to the post-colonial periods. It argues that although women played important roles in the development of their various countries in times past and fought along their male counterparts in the struggle for independence, their number and status in leadership positions in African politics today do not reflect the numerous roles they played. Therefore, enhancing their status would go a long way towards overcoming population, food, and political problems and would boost economic growth and political development. 

 The study employs a historical approach and uses books, journal articles and internet materials for its data collection. It concludes that Africa will attain the peaceful, inclusive, buoyant and just society it requires if more women like their male counterparts are encouraged to take up leadership positions and be part of the decision making that directly affect the population. It recommends that the continent would do better if more women are given their rightful positions in the decision making and implementation in their respective countries; more women should be encouraged to take up those courses reserved for men to enable them challenge and change the discriminatory attitudes and practices that limit their political activities in Africa.