Stability in the African continent will possibly derive from more women assuming presidential and leadership roles in governance and other sectors.
This was said during Women’s Month and at a time when many countries in the continent are embroiled in civil strife, corruption and social malaise under the leadership of mostly men.
Moleboheng Matli of Matli Foundation, which recently raised funds for Sandown High School with many learners from Alexandra, said this when she urged for more investment in the education and development of girls and more meaningful participation of women in key roles in the public and private sectors. “We need to rebrand the continent around women whose instincts are centred on caring and innate strength in patience and potential still to be harnessed for the betterment of the continent.”
Matli referenced Liberia which she said was rocked by warlords and destruction until the presidency of Sirleaf Johnson. Many unstable countries continue to be rocked by wars, corruption, retrogression and human life constantly in peril from social decay, crime and violence perpetrated, mostly by men.
She said that the country needs to elevate the development and education of girls alongside boys to enhance its chances at stability. “They have equal potential to excel and be good leaders when combined with their unique gender traits of patience, resilience, good communication, desire for order, stability and comfort which are essential for stability.
“They need support to express their voice and act out these traits at a leadership level.”
Matli also cited the iconic Women’s March in 1956 where women’s bravery and unity of purpose supported by progressive members of society, got them the attention of government then, as an example of their leadership potential.
She urged for girls to be mentored to realise they also have similar courage within them which they should emulate alongside many others in the continent. “Female mentors and role models who have excelled in different spheres should be organised to involve these girls in an exchange programme that will build their leadership capacity and carry one the initiative to their successors as part of rewriting the picture of the continent as a potential for success.
Matli also urged for women’s issues to be incorporated in most occasions commemorating the continent. “Their emancipation will be attained when their issues are profiled and sustained in the public space.”
She decried the high rate of teenage pregnancies which results in many of them dropping out of school and said that mentors should encourage young girls to preserve themselves. “Those who drop out should be assisted to overcome the shame and return to school to complete their education.”
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