The article challenges Western perceptions of African women and their leadership, revealing the strength, resilience, and ingenuity of women leaders across Africa. Raised with predominantly negative stereotypes about Africa, the author shares her transformation after studying "Women and Leadership in Africa." She highlights impactful examples of African women's leadership beyond formal education, such as the Murang’a County Women SACCO in Kenya, who collectively funded housing projects for students, demonstrating economic autonomy and community support. Programs like CARE Niger's Mata Masu Dubara also illustrate how women achieve economic security and support their communities through local knowledge and mutual aid. Iconic leaders like Wangarĩ Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, championed environmental conservation and women’s empowerment by connecting with and mobilizing local women. The article underscores the necessity of African women's representation in decision-making, arguing that leaders like Maathai succeeded because of their relatability and deep understanding of community needs. It calls for more inclusive leadership frameworks that empower African women to shape solutions for their communities, emphasizing that representation and genuine understanding of local issues are critical for sustainable change.

Although women represent half of the world’s population, gender inequality runs rampant. Gender inequality dismisses human development, while women’s empowerment has spurred productivity and economic growth. In October 2024, governments released statements centered around government interference in women’s autonomy in Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan. News about the government and women’s autonomy in these countries has highlighted cases of gender inequality. Social media has become a major tool in spreading news of the government's mistreatment of women to an international audience. At the same time, each country has a separate response to address its violation of human rights. As the UN Secretary-General has called gender inequality the “unfinished business of our time,” governments must address the violence that has hindered women’s success to maintain legitimacy.