She is thought to be one of the first Nigerien women to pursue a career in the sciences and headed the mineralogy division of SOMAIR, the national mining company of Niger. She is the first wife of former President Mahamadou Issoufou (‘First Lady’ 2011-21) and has used her influence to improve access to health care in her country.
As the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Stella Obasanjo was the First Lady of Nigeria from 1999 until her death in 2005.
Congolese writer and activist Léonie Abo is best known for her role in the 1963-65 Kwilu rebellion.
Beninese lawyer, feminist and human rights activist
South African trade unionist Christina “Chrissie” Jasson was part of the Port Elizabeth trade union movements. She led several strikes and organized workers from the textiles and food and canning industries, and served as acting secretary of the Eastern Cape Action Committee from 1954 to 1955.
Despite dying from tuberculosis when she was just 27, Argentine industrial researcher and social/political activist Carolina Muzzilli improved conditions in work sites in her short life.
Ugandan medical anthropologist who has written about sexuality, HIV/AIDS and women’s health. She is also a political activist who campaigns for women and girls rights, as well as the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
Irish teacher, nationalist, and Irish language enthusiast
South African politician
Irish businesswoman, chair of Fáilte Ireland, first chair of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the first female chair of an Irish banking institution, the Irish Life & Permanent.