Its been called a sorority — the elite, unofficial club of women known simply as “The First Ladies”. Hundreds of women around the world belong to this diverse group, each representing the culture, national pride and, in many cases, the democratic development of their country and its people.
In Africa, the group is just as diverse with women who come from different ethnic groups, speak multiple languages, and have experience working in various sectors of society. They are former teachers, lawyers, doctors, writers, business women and politicians–and upon taking the position of First Lady, and assuming a more supportive role in the background.
On Tuesday, Michelle Obama pointed out the responsibilities that unified all First Ladies at the African First Ladies Summit in Tanzania, and Mrs. Obama, who joined former U.S. First Lady Laura Bush in a moderated conversation hosted by the George Bush Institute, joked that the First Ladies have the best job in the world because they don’t have to deal with the pressure and realities of their husbands.
“You have an opportunity to speak to your passions and to really design and be very strategic about the issues you care most about,” said the First Lady. “And I just found it just a very freeing and liberating opportunity.”
Many of Africa’s First Ladies have seized this opportunity. From launching education initiatives to founding organizations to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, these women are using their platform to address the issues effecting the continent’s women and children. Here are five of the first ladies who have stepped out from the shadows of their husband’s to lead movements toward change:
Click Here To Find Out Who They Are
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