Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence, Empowering Women, Gender Equality, Uncategorized

Women’s History Month: Let’s make history, together!

27
Mar

African women have long played a defining role in shaping the course of history. Though often overlooked, their impact stretches far beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers. They have been leaders, traders, freedom fighters, warriors and visionaries.

From Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (modern-day northern Angola), who resisted Portuguese colonisation in the 17th century, to the courageous women of the Aba Women’s Riots in Nigeria in 1929, African women have challenged oppression, defied expectations and led movements for change.
The evolution of African women’s history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the continent itself. For centuries, African societies have been shaped by the resilience, intellect and leadership of women.

Progress in leadership and equality
In honour of Women’s History Month, WomenIN celebrates the strides African leadership has made in building societies that prioritise gender equality. One remarkable example is Rwanda, where women hold more than half the seats in parliament, making it the world leader in female political representation. This milestone reflects a commitment to inclusive governance, proving that progress is possible when institutions actively support women’s leadership.

Another significant achievement is the adoption of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which champions gender equality. Fifty-two African countries have joined this initiative, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing women’s rights across the continent. These victories signal a shift toward a future where women are not just included but are central to decision-making and development.
South Africa, too, has a rich history of influential women who shaped the nation’s progress. Charlotte Maxeke, a trailblazer in education and activism, was the first black South African woman to graduate with a university degree and later founded the Bantu Women’s League, a forerunner of the ANC Women’s League. Her work laid the foundation for the continued fight for women’s rights and leadership in South Africa.

Championing continued change
Despite these wins, African women still face formidable challenges. Gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the lack of political and economic power remain major barriers. Systemic inequalities continue to limit opportunities for women to rise in leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. While laws and policies may change, cultural and institutional shifts take time and require collective effort.

At WomenIN, we are committed to being part of the solution. What began as an idea has evolved into a movement. WomenIN Gamingpaved the way for the series of WomenIN events that have created a platform for progressive conversation across industries, such as energy, mobility, digital, customer experience, green economy and mining.

In 2024, this culminated in the groundbreaking WomenIN Festival — a first-of-its-kind cross-sectoral event that brought together more than 300 trailblazing women and male allies. It was more than just an event—it was a movement designed to empower women, foster shared solutions and drive inclusive growth.

WomenIN continues to build on this momentum, ensuring that women in business, technology, leadership and beyond have the tools, networks, and platforms to thrive.
We believe that history is not just about the past; it is about what we choose to do right now. The fight for an equal and inclusive future is ongoing and each of us has a role to play. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, an innovator or an ally, your actions today will shape the world for generations to come.
Let’s not just celebrate history; let’s make history, together.

Nasi Hako

Nasi Hako is driven by WomenIN’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future, where women and male allies uplift one another in business and beyond. As a Content Specialist, she helps bring this vision to life by shaping narratives that inspire and connect. For Nasi, breaking barriers means forging new pathways for inclusivity through connection and shared values. Looking ahead to WomenIN Festival 2025, she’s excited to see the event grow and to witness phenomenal women awaken to their value and power. Her advice? Step into your authenticity and use your voice—you deserve to be here!

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