Born: 22 September 1936, Guinea-Bissau
Died: 4 June 2016
Country most active: Guinea-Bissau
Also known as: NA
Pioneering Bissau-Guinean politician, physician, and women’s rights advocate Carmen Pereira holds a significant place in African history as the first female president on the continent. Born during the struggle for Guinea-Bissau’s independence, Pereira’s activism began in the Union of Women of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. As a guerrilla leader, she played a crucial role, becoming the first female political commissar. Her political career included roles as Deputy, Vice President, and President of the National Assembly. Internationally, she studied in the Soviet Union and represented the Pan-African Women’s Organization. Her brief presidency in 1984 marked a historic moment. Posthumously, her autobiographical book, “Os meus três amores,” reveals her sacrifices and challenges, shedding light on her commitment to political activism and gender equality within the PAIGC.