Day of the African Woman 2025
This day is celebrated on July 31st annually
The theme this year is : “Rooted in Greatness: Celebrating Women of African Descent”
shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and contributions of women of African descent globally. This celebration is part of a broader awareness initiative that highlights the impact and greatness of African women in various fields globally breaking and shattering the glass ceilings and driving change across the continents. Let’s celebrate their achievements and explore initiatives that promote their empowerment.
Women Achievers in Africa
Africa is home to numerous women achievers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
West Africa
Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: A respected Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, known for her integrity, wisdom, and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Hon. Betty Mould-Idrissu, Founder and Pioneer President of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Int’l Inc., has been a trailblazer in promoting women’s rights and empowerment in Africa.
East Africa: Hon. Justice Martha Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya and Pioneer Member of AWLA, has been a champion of justice and equality in Kenya.
Southern Africa: Women like Dr. Bience Gawanas, a Namibian lawyer and human rights activist, have made significant contributions to promoting human rights and social justice in the region.
North Africa: Women like Dr. Amina Elbendary, an Egyptian journalist and women’s rights activist, have been instrumental in promoting women’s empowerment and social justice in the region.
Dr. Juliet Ehimuan: Former Google West Africa Director, mentoring emerging leaders and championing digital transformation
Charlot Magayi: Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, providing eco-friendly cooking solutions and investing in community education
Damilola Ogunbiyi: CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, positioning Africa at the forefront of global energy reform
Rebecca Amukhoye:: Inclusive economic empowerment advocate, promoting sustainable livelihoods
Sheila Maela: President and Group CEO of Maela Holdings, transforming access to education and leadership opportunities
Global Leaders
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the first African and first woman to lead the organization. She’s a renowned economist and development expert with a strong track record of promoting trade as a driver of economic development and poverty reduction.
Amina Mohammed: Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), a champion of sustainable development and a leader in driving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She’s instrumental in shaping global initiatives on peacekeeping, climate change, economic development, and youth empowerment.
Female Presidents in Africa
– Sahle-Work Zewde: President of Ethiopia, the first woman to hold the office. She’s a seasoned diplomat and politician who has served in various roles, including as Ethiopia’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
– Sylvie Kinigi: Former President of Burundi, a prominent economist and politician who played a key role in stabilizing the country during her tenure.
– Rose Francine Rogombé: Former Interim President of Gabon, a lawyer and politician who served as the country’s first female head of state.
Former Female Heads of State in Africa
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Former President of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in promoting peace and women’s rights.
Joyce Banda: Former President of Malawi, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and education. She played a key role in promoting economic development and social justice in Malawi.
Female Bank CEOs in Africa
Adaora Umeoji: CEO of GTBank Nigeria, a trailblazing banker who has broken barriers and achieved success in a male-dominated industry.
Temitope Balogun: CEO of Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, a seasoned banker with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation in the financial sector.
Foluso Phillips: is an example of a female leader in the banking industry, she is the CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited’s Business Banking Division.
Notable Female Economic and Social Development Leaders in Africa
Oby Ezekwesili: A renowned economist, politician, and human rights advocate who has held various leadership positions, including Minister of Education and Vice President of the World Bank’s Africa Region. She’s a strong advocate for transparency, accountability, and good governance in Africa.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Director-General of the World Trade Organization, renowned economist, and development expert promoting trade as a driver of economic development and poverty reduction. She was awarded the 2025 Forbes Woman Africa Lifetime Achievement Award for her trailblazing career in global finance and economic development.
Arunma Oteh: Former Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank, and Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. She was recognized as the Changemaker of the Decade Award for her contributions to financial inclusion and corporate governance in Africa.
Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti: Founder of Herconomy, a fintech platform dedicated to providing women with the tools they need to build wealth. She’s a Mandela Washington Fellow and a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.
Roberta Annan: Founder of Annan Capital and the Africa Fashion Foundation, she’s an impact investor and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Social Development Leaders
Leymah Gbowee: Nobel Peace Prize winner who led a nonviolent movement to end Liberia’s civil war, promoting peace and women’s rights. She’s the founder of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa.
Solange Swiri Tumasang: Founder and General Coordinator of the Network of Women Led CSOs in Cameroon, advocating for women’s socio-economic development and empowerment.
Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni: Founder of Tech Herfrica, a social impact organization breaking the cycle of poverty for women and girls in rural and underserved communities in Africa through digital and financial inclusion.
Rahel Randy: Founder of the Priceless Women Network, empowering women and promoting economic growth
Women’s Rights and Empowerment Leaders
– Amina J. Mohammed: Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, championing sustainable development and climate action.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: Former Executive Director of UN Women, advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Glanis Changachirere: Founder and Director of the Institute for Young Women’s Development (IYWD), promoting women’s rights and empowerment in Zimbabwe.
Amdiya Abdul Latiff: Founder of RuGirlz EMS and Eco-Me Africa, advocating for menstrual health and women’s empowerment
Notable Female Human Rights Activists in Africa and the Diaspora
Liberian Peace Activists
Leymah Gbowee: Nobel Peace Prize winner who led a nonviolent movement that united Christian and Muslim women to end Liberia’s brutal civil war in 2003. She continues to advocate for peace and women’s rights through her foundation, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Africa’s first elected female head of state, who played a crucial role in rebuilding Liberia post-civil war, focusing on peace, gender equality, and women’s empowerment
Anti-Apartheid and Women’s Rights Activists
Winnie Mandela: Anti-apartheid activist and former First Lady of South Africa, known for her advocacy on behalf of women and children. She was imprisoned multiple times for her activism.
Lilian Ngoyi: South African anti-apartheid and women’s rights activist who led a march of over 20,000 women in Pretoria against apartheid in 1956.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: Nigerian educator and activist who fought for women’s rights and social justice, earning her the nickname “Lioness of Lisabi”.
Human Rights Activists
Khadija Gbla: Sierra Leonean-born Australian activist who advocates against female genital mutilation (FGM) and promotes women’s sexual health rights.
Justine Masika Bihamba: Congolese lawyer and activist who tackles gender-based violence and supports survivors of war and displacement.
Farida Bemba Nabourema: Togolese human rights activist and writer who promotes peaceful resistance and democracy in Togo
Environmental and Health Activists
Wangari Maathai: Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate who founded the Green Belt Movement to combat deforestation and poverty.
Miriam Makeba: South African musician and civil rights activist who used her music to protest apartheid and advocate for women’s rights.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka: South African musician and humanitarian who focuses on health education, particularly HIV/AIDS awareness
These exceptional women are making significant contributions to their respective fields and are role models for women in Africa and beyond. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to promoting justice, human rights, and good governance are an inspiration to all.
Trailblazing Leaders of AWLA: Impacting Nations
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) is proud to be led by a group of exceptional women who have made significant contributions to promoting women’s rights, human rights, and good governance in Africa and beyond. Some of these remarkable leaders include:
Hon. Betty Mould-Idrissu: Founder and Pioneer President of AWLA Int’l Inc., a Ghanaian lawyer and politician who has held various leadership positions, including Minister of Education and Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Her dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and access to justice is truly inspiring.
Mandy Demechi-Asagba: Current International President of AWLA Int’l Inc., a passionate advocate for human rights and gender parity, and a dogged fighter for justice and good governance. Her leadership and commitment to AWLA’s mission are commendable.
Late Edna Kuma: Former Vice President of AWLA and Country Representative of AWLA Ghana, a fierce human rights defender and legal drafting expert. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate AWLA members.
Sakinah Adepeju Oduye-Quadri: Secretary General of AWLA, a diamond life member of AWLA, and a passionate gender advocate. Her dedication to promoting women’s rights and empowerment is noteworthy.
HRH Olori Olufunmi Ajibola-Oluyede: United Nations Representative/Director of Programs at AWLA, a life bencher of the Body of Benchers Nigeria and a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Her expertise and leadership in international law and human rights are highly valued.
Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi: Director of Research at AWLA Int’l Inc., a Nigerian lawyer, and a dogged civil rights activist. Her contributions to AWLA’s research initiatives and her commitment to promoting women’s rights are truly commendable.
Hon. Justice Martha Koome: Pioneer Member AWLA and First female Chief Justice of Kenya, a renowned expert in family law, and a champion of human rights. Her leadership and commitment to promoting justice and equality are an inspiration to all.
Hon. Justice Zione Jane Ntaba: Council Member AWLA International, a judge of the High Court in Malawi, and a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s rights. Her expertise and dedication to promoting justice and human rights are highly valued.
Hon. Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh: Pioneer Country Representative of AWLA Liberia and current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. Her leadership and commitment to promoting justice and equality are truly commendable.
Esther Ebhodaghe: Deputy Secretary General of AWLA and former Secretary AWLA Nigeria, a committed member and human rights defender. Her dedication to AWLA’s mission and her passion for promoting women’s rights are noteworthy.
Dr. Uju Okeke Anyaegbunam: Former Welfare Secretary AWLA Nigeria, Member Research Committee AWLA Int’l, and renowned writer and author. Her contributions to AWLA’s mission and her prolific writing are highly valued.
Obiamaka Aga: Chairperson Litigation AWLA Int’l Inc., former Secretary of AWLA Lagos and Chairperson litigation Committee. She is AWLA Representative to Child Protection Network and PBO Foundation. Her leadership in litigation and commitment to protecting women’s rights are truly impressive.
Abiodun Kolawole: Alternate Head Litigation AWLA Int’l Inc., human rights defender, and litigation expert. His dedication to advancing women’s rights through strategic litigation is commendable.
Distinguished Committed Leaders of AWLA Nigeria
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria chapter is proud to be led by a group of exceptional women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and expertise in their respective fields. Some of these remarkable individuals include:
Hon. Justice Ayotunde Adeyoola Phillips: is the Chairperson Board of Trustees of AWLA Nigeria Chapter. She is a distinguished jurist with a storied career. She served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission and Member of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee. Justice Phillips retired as the 4th Female Chief Judge of Lagos State, holding the position as the 14th CJ. Throughout her judicial career, she held various notable positions including Chairman of a panel of enquiry and member of several tribunals and committees . Her expertise and integrity earned her recognition both locally and internationally.
Hon. Justice Lati Folami
The Pioneer Country Representative/ National Coordinator of AWLA Nigeria Chapter (2003- 2004) and a serving Judge of the High Court of Lagos State. She is a Trustee of the African Women Lawyers Association, Nigeria Chapter
Her Worship Nihinlolawa Aluko Olokun: Chairman Caretaker Committee/Secretary Emeritus of AWLA Nigeria, and active member of the Litigation Committee. Her leadership and commitment to the advancement of women’s rights are truly commendable.
Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire: Country Representative AWLA Nigeria, Former Treasurer AWLA Nigeria, and Former State Coordinator of AWLA Kwara State. Her tireless efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and access to justice are noteworthy.
Becky Samuel: Immediate Past Chairperson Caretaker Committee AWLA Nigeria, State Coordinator AWLA Gombe State, and a member of the Body of Benchers Nigeria . Her dedication to the legal profession and women’s rights is exemplary.
Her Worship Oluwatomi Ajayi: Chairman Research Committee AWLA Nigeria, Editor of AWLA Nigeria Publications, and prolific writer. Her expertise in research and writing is a valuable asset to AWLA.
Ebere Obiora: Coordinator – AWLA Ogun State, Nigeria. A committed and dedicated member of the Pro Bono Litigation Committee and a dogged and consistent human rights defender.
Patricia Adaku Udechukwu: the Immediate past Secretary of AWLA Nigeria Caretaker Committee, a former Treasurer of AWLA Abuja and a dedicated and committed member of AWLA International. Trained Nurse with a Masters degree in International Medical Malpractice and Ethics Law. Master of International Law and Diplomacy focused in International Law and mental health
A seasoned resource person and mentor and a gender rights activist
Oluwatoyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo: Current General Secretary AWLA Nigeria the founder of Stop the Abuse against Children and Women Foundation, popularly called Stop the Abuse Foundation. She is a vociferous advocate
for Human Rights
These remarkable women, along with numerous others, are redefining leadership and driving change in Africa. By supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all using the instrumentality of the law to bring enduring change and liberation of the African woman and child from unfettered sustainable development
Initiatives Promoting Women’s Empowerment
Microfinance Programs: Providing access to small loans, enabling women to start businesses and achieve economic independence
Education and Training: Organizations like Camfed, offering vocational training and equipping women with skills for better job opportunities
Health Initiatives: Programs targeting women’s reproductive rights, improving health outcomes and economic opportunities
Agricultural Cooperatives: Women’s cooperatives enhancing food security and economic resilience
Technology and Innovation: Initiatives like Girl Effect, promoting digital literacy and bridging the gender gap
Advocacy and Policy Reforms: Organizations like the African Union’s Gender Policy, eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality
Support Networks: Women’s networks and mentorship programs, connecting aspiring female leaders with established mentors
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President
African
Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Int’l Inc.
31/7/2025
Mandy@mandyasagba.com
Mandyasagba@gmail.con
President@awla.international
