Women in Leadership: From Suffrage to CEO

From the African queens of ancient times to the modern-day political and business leaders, black and African women have always played a crucial role in leadership. However, their contributions and achievements have often been overlooked or marginalised. In this blog post, we will explore the history of black and African women in leadership and highlight their significant accomplishments.

Historical Context

The struggles of black and African women for equal rights and representation in leadership have a long history. From the resistance of the Dahomey Amazons against French colonialism to the anti-apartheid activism of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, black and African women have always been at the forefront of social and political change.

In the United States, the suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a turning point for women’s political participation. However, it wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that black women were granted equal voting rights with their white counterparts. Since then, black and African women have continued to break barriers in politics and beyond.

Current State of Women in Leadership

Despite significant progress, black and African women still face numerous challenges in leadership. For example, according to a 2019 report by the Centre for American Progress, black women make up just 4% of elected officials in the United States despite being 13% of the population. In the business world, black and African women continue to be underrepresented in top leadership positions.

However, there are also signs of progress. In recent years, black and African women have made history by achieving major political milestones. In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first woman, first black person, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the position of Vice President of the United States. In Africa, women leaders such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia, and Amina Mohammed, the first female deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, have paved the way for future generations of black and African women leaders.

Message of Hope

The achievements of black and African women in leadership throughout history are a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to progress. As we continue to strive for gender and racial equality, it’s essential to recognise and celebrate the contributions of black and African women to our shared history.

With continued efforts to break down barriers and increase representation, we can ensure that black and African women have equal opportunities to lead and make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large. The journey is far from over, but with the legacy of the past and the promise of the future, black and African women can continue to shatter glass ceilings and inspire future generations to do the same.