Black women continue to break barriers to female leadership: #BlackExcellence
Black women are continuously shattering barriers in various fields, paving the way for future leaders with their resilience, intelligence, and determination. The upcoming Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), which will take place on February 27, 2024, in Dubai, aims to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black women while bringing together influential individuals from the global Black community. #BlackExcellence
Black women play a vital role in transforming industries, leaving an undeniable impact in areas ranging from entertainment to business, science to politics. In Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first democratically-elected female president, has gained international recognition for empowering women. She even won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 and continues to advocate for female political participation. Another inspiring figure is Alice Banze, a Mozambican social scientist with an impressive 25-year career in civil society and government. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Gender and Sustainable Development Association, she exemplifies transformative female leadership in Mozambique and was elected to the National Elections Commission in 2020 with support from the Women’s Forum.
Numerous women are making their mark across industries by forging their own paths. One such example is Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, the founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources Group. She leads a Black women-owned renewable energy company that focuses on wind power projects in South Africa. Other notable figures like Oprah Winfrey, who has built a media empire, and Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company, showcase the strength and determination of Black female leaders.
Despite their impressive achievements, Black women in leadership often face systemic challenges when it comes to representation. In the United States, Forbes reports that only 4.4% of Black women hold managerial positions, and a mere 1.4% occupy executive-level roles, despite making up 7.4% of the American population. However, in Africa, women are making significant progress in governance roles. According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, four African nations—Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, and Senegal—are among the top 15 countries globally with the highest representation of women in parliament. Rwanda leads the way with an impressive 61.3% of female parliamentarians, while the sub-Saharan African average stands at 23.6%.
The intersectionality of race and gender further compounds the challenges faced by Black women in the workplace, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address and overcome specific barriers to leadership. Initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion play a crucial role in dismantling these barriers and creating a more level playing field. Companies and organizations must implement policies that recognize and value the unique perspectives and contributions of Black women in their respective industries, fostering an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for success.
Celebrating Black women in leadership involves creating a supportive environment for future leaders through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and networking opportunities. Investing in the next generation of Black female leaders contributes to a more diverse and dynamic future, which will be further facilitated by the upcoming GBIS 2024. This event will provide a platform for engagement, inspiration, and unity, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
