A recent meeting between Tanzania's President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and former Ugandan Vice-President Dr Speciosa Kazibwe in Dar es Salaam highlighted the importance of mentorship in increasing women's participation in leadership. The encounter emphasized that access to positions of power is not enough; deliberate efforts to prepare, encourage, and mentor the next generation are crucial. This discussion comes at a critical moment for Africa, where women remain underrepresented in many decision-making centers.
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women occupy 27.1 per cent of parliamentary seats in Sub-Saharan Africa, with East Africa performing better at 32.1 per cent. However, representation at the highest levels of political power remains limited. This gap demonstrates the need for mentorship as an essential component of Africa's leadership development agenda. Experienced women leaders possess valuable knowledge about navigating political institutions, overcoming barriers, and creating opportunities for others.
Dr Kazibwe's record provides a powerful example of the impact of mentorship. When she became Uganda's Vice-President in 1994, she broke a major political barrier as the first woman in Africa to hold that office. Her advocacy for women's participation in governance, reproductive health, and girls' education helped demonstrate that women could occupy and influence the highest levels of political leadership.
President Dr Samia's leadership in Tanzania also illustrates the importance of creating space for women in decision-making. Since assuming office, she has increased women's presence in senior public positions, including important areas of government. Tanzania's relatively strong representation of women in Parliament and Cabinet demonstrates that deliberate policies and appointments can help expand women's participation.
However, representation alone is not enough; African countries must build sustainable pathways for young women to acquire leadership experience and eventually assume greater responsibilities. Political parties, governments, educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector all have roles to play in supporting mentorship initiatives.
The message from President Dr Samia and Dr Kazibwe is clear: African women leaders should not only occupy positions of authority but also help create the leaders who will follow them. A continent seeking inclusive and sustainable development cannot afford to leave half of its population on the margins of decision-making. Mentorship can turn individual breakthroughs into lasting institutional change.
The real measure of today's women leaders will ultimately include how many doors they open for those coming after them. By prioritizing mentorship, African women leaders can create a lasting legacy and pave the way for future generations of women to take on leadership roles. This approach will be crucial in ensuring that women's participation in leadership continues to grow and that their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Key points
- Mentorship is essential for increasing women's participation in leadership and creating a lasting legacy.
- African countries must build sustainable pathways for young women to acquire leadership experience.
- Women leaders should prioritize mentorship to create a lasting impact and pave the way for future generations.
