Conditions caused by the pandemic over the last eighteen months have demanded resilience of us all. Globally, entire economies have shifted and people have had their plans, income, and livelihoods forcibly put on hold. Although we’re one of the fastest growing demographics of entrepreneurs, Black women have been some of the hardest hit by COVID’s cold blow. That’s why it is especially inspiring to hear of the African women on the continent and in the diaspora, whose ingenuity and dedication has led to success, despite the pandemic.
There’s no better time to celebrate the achievements of these amazing women than Africa Day. Founded in honour of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), Africa Day calls us to reflect on the “determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.” Below are some examples of ladies who truly epitomize the liberated African woman.
First we have Sierra Leonean authors, Vickie Remoe and Namina Forna. Business woman and first-time children’s author Vickie, published Adama Loves Akara herself, in January this year. The book teaches children to read phonetically using references to West African culture and has sold copies all over the world. Namina’s book, The Gilded Ones, is a young adult fantasy-fic- turned -New York Times best-seller that came out in March. In this interview with Elle, Namina talks about the decade-long writing process and the joy of reimagining a magical Africa.
Also in March, Economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first African woman to head the World Trade Organization (WTO). The former Nigerian Minister of Finance is excited to spearhead highly anticipated reform in the organisation, and has been quoted by the BBC saying, “It cannot be business as usual for the WTO.” Elsewhere in politics, 23-year-old Helen Auma Wandera, became Uganda’s youngest ever MP (Member of Parliament) last week. Formerly a fish-trader in Kampala, Helen has proved that no ambition is too great for an African woman to achieve.
Equally ambitious are Congolese-Nigerian duo Astrid Madimba and Chinny Ukata. They began It’s a Continent podcast just as the world went into lockdown last year and barely twelve months later, the pair have announced an upcoming book which expands on the podcast aimed at presenting honest, unbiased and celebratory analysis of Africa’s past. In the meantime Nigerian designer Fisayo Longe is making African history with her Kai Collective label. The 28-year-old was just named one of Forbes 30-under-30 creatives to watch and her designs are amongst this year’s most influential, having been seen on celebrities such as Saweetie and Tiwa Savage.
Happy Africa Day!
Memuna
(Memunatu Editorial Fellow)
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