female

In the tapestry of African politics, we see remarkable stories of individuals who step bravely into uncharted realms, grounds previously dominated by patriarchal legacies. Lucia Witbooi's recent appointment as Namibia's Vice President writes a new chapter in this evolving saga. She joins the ranks of formidable female leaders, following figures like Ghana’s Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who took office in a similar groundbreaking manner earlier this year. Traditionally, the political…

In a country that the sun seems to grace more often than not, Namibia is witnessing a new dawn as Nandi-Ndaitwah, at 72, steps in as the first female president. Sandwiched in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia stands on the precipice of a potential economic revolution, led by burgeoning oil and gas industries. Nandi-Ndaitwah's inauguration isn't just notable for adding one more name to the short list of female African leaders but serves as a beacon of the possibilities of what women can achieve on this vast,…

Breaking Chains and Smashing Barriers Through Organised Defence of Women Journalists’ Rights in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine a world where a woman's voice in journalism echoes safely and powerfully, yet still struggles to break through a sombre cloud of oppression. On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) shines a light on the indomitable spirit of Somali women in media – women who bravely mold public opinion, hold those in power accountable, and bring the…

Mogadishu (AFP) – A scene straight out of a Western flick unfolds on the bustling streets of Mogadishu. Among the chorus of honking tuk-tuks and revved-up motorbikes, emerges an enigmatic figure. Clad entirely in ebony, with a cowboy hat perched confidently atop her head, a horseman—nay, a horsewoman—rides with intention.The kicker? The mysterious equestrian, challenging cultural norms with each hoofbeat, is none other than a woman parading through conservative Somali society.Shukri Osman Muse, lighting up like a kid on Eid…

In the homely setting of Rebecca Cheptegei's family in Kenya, the memories of her love for chickens linger on the walls, alongside a darker tale of violence and loss. Cheptegei, a celebrated athlete who once charmed her family with her laughter, tragically fell victim to femicide—an atrocious act deeply etched in the lives of Kenyan female athletes today. Rebecca's mother, Agnes, recalls her daughter's vibrant presence, "You always knew when she was home." However, beneath her joy lay a grim reality. In 2022, after…

Today, a massive turnout of tens of thousands is anticipated across the United States, rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she vies for the presidency. The annual Women’s March is set to unfold not only in Washington, D.C. but in various cities nationwide, taking place just three days prior to the pivotal U.S. Election. The slogan for this year’s event, “We Won’t Go Back!” resonates deeply, expressing a strong resistance against the possibility of another Donald Trump presidency and its potential ramifications…

Breaking Barriers: Lt. Col. Mwagandi Paves the Way as KDF’s First Female Guard of Honour Leader NAIROBI, Kenya - A seismic shift happened in Kenya on Sunday when Lt. Colonel Faith Mwagandi stepped into the spotlight as the trailblazer—Van Gogh with a paintbrush of valor—becoming the pioneer woman to craft a Guard of Honour for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at a prominent national celebration. Commanding the troops during the 61st Mashujaa Day gala in Kwale, lodged on Kenya’s sunlit southern coast, the KDF recognized this…

She’d been busting her hump with laundry, cleaning, and cooking, earning a humble $6-10 daily, just enough to keep her family afloat. After five long years, her gig was pulled from under her feet by her employers, citing financial strain. “We now lean on our neighbors’ generosity for food. When nothing turns up, we go to bed hungry,” Najmo explained. “We’ve got zilch. All we can do is pray to the Almighty for relief,” she sighed. She's drowning under $400 in back rent and facing eviction. Previous oustings from other homes…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Adado, Hawo Mahamud Farah, better known as Hawo Jookar, shattered barriers by steering a Bajaj (auto-rickshaw) through the town's lively streets. Not only did she face the grim realities of societal backlash and road hazards, but she did so to ensure a stable life for her five children, daring to defy entrenched gender expectations.

"The power of my hands" brings together 16 artists, only women and only from Portuguese-speaking or English-speaking countries, which are almost never shown in France. An original exhibition in more ways than one at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Painting, embroidery, photography or ceramics, neither evoke everyday life or the woman's history, intimate or more political issues. Odile Burluraux is one of the exhibitors' curators. “One of the goals of the exhibition is also to bring out what has been hidden,…