13 Women From Africa Top World’s Most Influential List

The BBC has released its annual 100 Women list, celebrating extraordinary women from around the world who are shaping the future. More than a dozen African women have made the list, each making a significant impact on the world in areas such as education, disability rights, climate change, and gender equality.

From Zimbabwe's Vee Kativhu's inspiring journey as a content creator to Neema Namadamu's advocacy for disability rights in the DR Congo, and Esi Buobasa's resilience as a fishmonger facing the impacts of climate change in Ghana, these women showcased remarkable resilience and leadership.

The list included environmental champions like Kenya's Wanjira Mathai and Susan Chomba, activists like Malawi's Ulanda Mtamba fighting against child marriage, and advocates such as Somalia's Shamsa Araweelo raising awareness against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Nigeria's Jennifer Uchendu focuses on mental health amidst the climate crisis, while Uganda's Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka worked to save endangered gorillas.

The list also acknowledged Western Sahara's Najla Mohamed-Lamin's efforts in educating refugees about climate impacts and Zandile Ndhlovu's groundbreaking work as South Africa's first black female freediving instructor, promoting ocean diversity and conservation. Yasmina Benslimane is the founder of Politics4Her in Morocco, an organisation that promotes women's participation in politics and decision-making processes, and Paulina Chiziane, a writer from Mozambique, became the first woman to publish a novel in her country and has won numerous awards for her work.