–In New Africa Magazine 2023 publication
By Jerromie S. Walters
The New Africa Magazine, a publication that champions authentic and inspiring stories that showcase the dynamic essence of Africa, has featured four astute Liberian women in the 2023 edition of its 100 Outstanding Women in Africa.
Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Howard Taylor, Nobel laureate for peace activism Leymah Gbowee and Ms. Kanshima Pelham Raad were outlined among 100 women from across Africa.
In its publication, the New Africa Magazine noted: “We proudly acknowledge the exceptional achievement of women across Africa who have not only broken barriers but have also emerged as visionary leaders, catalyst for change and innovators in their respective fields. This celebration honours their significant impact in shaping the narrative of progress and advancement across Africa.”
They say from breathtaking innovations in Science and Technology to transformative leadership in business to changing the narratives, these women have played pivotal roles in shaping the African continent as a whole. “Their dedication and commitment have not only given them a name for themselves but have inspired positive change in Africa. This acknowledgement underscores their impactful contribution across diverse sectors making them true beacons of progress.”
The New Africa Magazine further noted: “As we celebrate these trailblazing women, let us collectively recognize the importance of fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusivity. By doing so, we not only honor their individual accomplishments, but also pave the way for a future where every woman in Africa has the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions.”
According to them, the women achievements stand as a testament to the limitless potential that resides within the hearts and minds of women across Africa.
Among those featured are: 1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia); First female African head of state 2. Wangari Maathai (Kenya); Environmentalist and Nobel laureate
3. Amina J. Mohammed (Nigeria); Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
4. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria); Director-General of the WTO 5. Graça Machel (Mozambique); Humanitarian and former First Lady of Mozambique 6. Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) – Nobel laureate for peace activism 7. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria); Renowned author 8. Jewel Taylor: 30th Vice President of Liberia 9. Dr. Mrs. Genevieve Duncan Obuobi: SME Consultant, Speaker and Author
It includes: 10. Hon. Kanshima Pelham Raad; Representative Aspirants Liberia 11. Mrs Harriet Ovwiegho Omofezi; CEO Ace Support, registered member of the Fine Gael Women Network, A social Care practitioner 12. Sahle-work Zewde: Ethiopia first female president 13. Aisha Shettima Yusuf; Founder Emirati Innovative Services and President Emirati Women Entrepreneurs co-operative (EWEC) 14) Oby Ezekwesili; Founder and President of Human Capital Africa(HCA) and 15. Angelique Kidjo (Benin); Grammy-winning singer and activist.
Others are: 16. Thuli Madonsela (South Africa); South African Advocate
17. Irene Titilola Olumese; founder, Feet of Grace Foundation, Nigeria 18. Fatou Bensouda (Gambia); Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
19. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; 6th President of Mauritius 20. Salwa Bugaighis (Libya); Human rights and political activist
21. Lady Gladys Hauwa Shaahu; Director Glow Integrated Global Resources Limited
22. Ezinne Kufre Ekanem; CEO Rosemary’s soft furnishing company, Public speaker and Writer 23. Theresa Kachindamoto; paramount Chief of Dedza district, Malawi.
It also calptured: 24. Maggy Barankitse (Burundi); Founder of Maison Shalom for orphans 25. Tegla Loroupe (Kenya); Renowned long-distance runner and peace ambassador 26. Edna Adan Ismail (Somaliland); Healthcare advocate and first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland 27. Dambisa Moyo (Zambia); Economist and author 28. Aisha AI Mansoori: UAE first female Emirati Captain
29. Mary Robinson (Ireland); 7th president of Ireland and 30. Amina Hersi (Uganda); Businesswoman and real estate developer.
More to them are: 31. Juliana Rotich (Kenya); Tech entrepreneur and Ushahidi co-founder
32 Winnie Byanyima (Uganda); Executive Director of UNAIDS 33. Amsatou Sow Sidibe (Senegal); Women’s rights and democracy advocate 34. Hanna Tetteh (Ghana); UN Special Representative for the African Union
35. Gcina Mhlophe (South Africa); Storyteller and children’s author 36. Vicky Ntetema (Tanzania); Investigative journalist and human rights activist 37. Chems Doha Alaoui Ismali
Secretary General of the General Union of Arab Women
38. Zeinab Badawi (Sudan); BBC journalist and presenter.
Also, it includes: 39. Hafsat Abiola (Nigeria); Women’s rights and democracy advocate
40. Gladys Igbinosun; Philanthropist and convener of lifted Women
41. Takyiwaa Manuh (Ghana); Academic and gender studies expert
42. Leyla Hussein (Somalia/UK); Activist against female genital mutilation
43. Margaret Kenyatta (Kenya); First Lady and maternal health advocate
44. Ory Okolloh (Kenya); Tech entrepreneur and civic activist
45. Jaha Dukureh (Gambia/USA); Anti-FGM activist and UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador
46. Stella Nyanzi (Uganda); Feminist academic and activist.
Amongst the women are: 47. Amira Yahyaoui (Tunisia); Activist and founder of Al Bawsala
48. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (South Africa); UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women
49. Ada Osakwe (Nigeria) – Agribusiness entrepreneur and investor
50. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (South Africa) – Minster in the presidency for women, youths and people with disabilities for South Africa 51) Agnes Binagwaho (Prof): Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity 52) Agnes Matilda Kalibata (Dr): CEO, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
53) Ahunna Eziakonwa: Director, UNDP Africa 54) Evelyn Tobore Nomayo; Senior software engineer, Blockchain researcher and technology entrepreneur
55. Allen Kagina: Executive Director, Uganda National Roads Authority.
From across Africa, the publication featured:
56. Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh: Regional Head, IBM North, East and West Africa
57) Angèle Makombo: President, League of Congolese Democrats 58. Athaliah Molokomme: Permanent Representative of Botswana to the U.N. 59) Awa Ndiaye-Seck: Resident Representative UN Women, Democratic Republic of the Congo
60. Zodwa Mkandla; International business woman of the year,Zimbabwe
61. Charity Ngilu (H.E.); Governor, Kitui County 62. Chebet Chikumbu: Africa Director, Global Citizen
63. Damilola Ogunbiyi; CEO, Sustainable Energy for All 64) Djamila Ferdjani (Dr): Medical Doctor, MedCom
65) Dorothy Ghettuba: Director, Original Series for Africa at Netflix
66. Elizabeth Mrema; Deputy Executive Director United Nations Environment Programme 67) Emma Theofelus; Deputy Minister of Information, communication and Technology, Namibia 68. Eve Bazaiba: Minister for the Environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It also includes: 69. Fatima Kyari Mohammed (H.E.): Permanent Representative, African Union Mission to the U.N. 70. Fatoumata BA: Founder, Janngo Africa 71. Faustina Fynn-Nyame: Executive Director for Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
72. Filsan Abdullahi: Ethiopian Activist and Politician 73. Frehiwot Tamru; CEO, Ethio Telecom 74. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Dr): CEO, Conservation Through Public Health
and 75. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim: Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Nigeria
Others are: 76. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim: Coordinator, Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad
77. Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu: CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation 78. Irene Asare: Global H.R. Director, CarvinClay People Development
79. Natasha Akpoti; Senator for Kogi Central
80. H.E Amb Dr. Smelly Dube: Group CEO, Rivervalley Group of Companies, Zimbabwe
81. Jeannette Kagame (H.E.): First Lady, Rwanda 82. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E): Vice President, Uganda 83. Julienne Lusenge: President, Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development
84) Julitta Onabanjo (Dr): Regional Director, UNFPA East and Southern Africa
85) Kaba Nialé: Minister of Planning and Development, Ivory Coast 86) Hon. Anastancia Ndhlovu: Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe(2016-2019) 87. Laureen Kouassi-Olsson: Founder & CEO, Birimian Holding.
The publication features:: 88. Letty Chiwara: Representative to Ethiopia, A.U. & ECA, U.N. Women89. Louise Mushikiwabo: Secretary General, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie 90. Mamokgethi Phakeng (Prof.): Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town before Retirement 91. Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.): Vice President, Benin 92. Martha Ama A. Pobee (H.E.): Assist. Secretary-General for Africa, UN
93. Mary-Jane Morifi: Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands.
Some of the others women are: 94. Matshidiso Moeti (Dr): Regional Director for Africa, WHO 95. Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi: CEO, MTN Rwanda 96. Monde Muyangwa (Dr.): Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa 97. Monique Nsanzabaga (H.E.): Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission 98. Musonda Xoliswa Mumba (Dr): Secretary General on the convention of Wetlands 99. Mwele Malecela: Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO
100. Nafissatou Jocelyne Diop: Chief of Gender and Human Rights, United Nations Population Foundation
