As we approach International Women’s Day, Sputnik interviewed two African female leaders to highlight their experiences and challenges in their roles. The aim is to shed light on the realities of being a woman in Africa.
For decades, women in Africa have been fighting for equality, justice, and dignity. From grassroots movements to political leadership, African women have contributed significantly to the development of their communities and the continent at large.In this regard, Sputnik spoke with female African leaders in order to explore and highlight the achievements and aspirations of women in the continent. We also examined the challenges that women still face and the role of governments, NGOs, and individuals in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment on the continent. Ntokozo Ngcwabe, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of South Africa, hails from a small town called Newcastle in South Africa’s province of KwaZulu Natal. One of the officials responsible for the country’s policy for mining and energy, Ngcwabe has been involved in the South African minerals and energy sector for more than 24 years.Having grown up in Newcastle and neighboring areas, which are famous for their coal mining activities, Ngcwabe found her interest leaning to the « male-oriented » world of mining.Ngcwabe argues that although times have changed, women « still have to prove themselves ten times harder » in order to be recognized. The official says she always encourages women in her team at the department to work hard and develop their potentials and empower themselves, because she herself was « a product of being lifted by other women. »However, she insists some African men still have traditional views about women, even in the field of government policymaking, adding that « it’s going to take a bit of time for people to adjust. » For that process to go faster, Ngcwabe believes people need more education on gender equality, because « times are changing.
