In Africa, women politicians often navigate a complex web of cultural expectations, public scrutiny, and the demanding responsibilities of both family life and political leadership. Despite these challenges, many African women have risen to positions of power, managing to balance their political ambitions with their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters. Their stories of resilience and strength provide valuable insights into how African women can successfully manage the dual roles of family and politics, paving the way for the next generation of female leaders.
In this article, we highlight the journeys of African women politicians who have balanced family responsibilities with their political careers, offering real-life lessons and inspiration.
1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Former President of Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female head of state, served as Liberia’s president from 2006 to 2018. While her career has been marked by tremendous political achievements, including helping to rebuild Liberia after years of civil war, her personal journey is equally compelling. A mother of four boys, Sirleaf balanced the demands of leadership with her duties as a parent, proving that women can excel in both spheres.
During her presidency, Sirleaf’s ability to balance family and politics was rooted in her strong belief in education and independence. As a single mother who fled domestic violence earlier in her life, she made sure that her children were well-educated and prepared to support themselves, even as she pursued her demanding career in public service.
Sirleaf’s story shows that a woman’s personal struggles don’t define her limitations. She emphasized that managing both family and political life requires strong organizational skills, a clear sense of purpose, and, above all, the courage to make difficult decisions.
2. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Former Finance Minister of Nigeria
Though Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is best known as an economist and the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), her career in Nigerian politics as the country’s finance minister offers valuable lessons on balancing family life and public service. Okonjo-Iweala is a mother of four, and during her time as finance minister, she faced the dual challenge of navigating her public responsibilities while raising her children.
She has spoken about how her family played a central role in her success, particularly her husband, who offered unwavering support during her demanding political career. She once noted that her ability to balance family and career was made possible by the strong partnership she shared with her husband, who was also deeply involved in their children’s lives.
Okonjo-Iweala’s story highlights the importance of having a supportive spouse or partner who understands the demands of a political career. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for African women in politics to build solid family support systems, including extended family, to help manage the challenges that arise when balancing political office and parenthood.
3. Amina J. Mohammed – Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Former Nigerian Minister of Environment
Amina J. Mohammed, the former Nigerian Minister of Environment and current Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, has spoken candidly about the difficulties of balancing her career in politics and international development with her duties as a mother of six children. Despite her busy schedule, Mohammed has always emphasized the importance of family in her life.
Her secret to balancing her political career and family life is rooted in effective time management and prioritizing what is important at different stages of life. For Mohammed, it’s crucial to delegate and surround oneself with trusted individuals, both at work and at home, who can take on responsibilities when needed.
Mohammed’s journey also demonstrates that African women in politics must often make sacrifices to achieve their goals, but with strong family support and strategic planning, it’s possible to create a balance between personal and professional responsibilities.
4. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – Former Deputy President of South Africa
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the first woman to hold the office of Deputy President in South Africa from 2005 to 2008, has been a powerful advocate for women’s rights globally. Mlambo-Ngcuka is also a mother and grandmother, and throughout her career, she has spoken about the delicate balance between her family life and her political career.
During her time in office, Mlambo-Ngcuka was known for her ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her roles at home. She often emphasized the need for African women in politics to communicate openly with their families about the demands of their jobs. This helped her create a support system where her family members understood the nature of her work and were able to offer assistance when needed.
For Mlambo-Ngcuka, creating balance also meant prioritizing time with family during weekends and holidays, when she could disconnect from the pressures of politics and focus on her personal life. Her story illustrates the importance of compartmentalizing work and family life to ensure that both receive adequate attention.
5. Joyce Banda – Former President of Malawi
Joyce Banda, the former president of Malawi, is another example of an African woman who successfully balanced a high-profile political career with her role as a mother and grandmother. Banda, who served as president from 2012 to 2014, often spoke about how her family was a source of strength and stability throughout her political career.
As a mother of five, Banda faced the challenges of balancing family life with her responsibilities as a political leader. She credited her success to her ability to delegate family responsibilities when necessary and to create a nurturing environment for her children, even as she pursued her political ambitions.
Banda’s story demonstrates that women in politics must develop the ability to delegate, both at work and at home, in order to maintain balance. Additionally, her journey highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with people who believe in one’s vision and can offer support both professionally and personally.
6. Samia Suluhu Hassan – President of Tanzania
Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, is a shining example of how to balance family life while leading a nation. Hassan, a mother of four, has often spoken about the importance of family support in her journey to the top of Tanzanian politics.
Despite the demands of her career, Hassan remains deeply committed to her family. She has acknowledged that balancing politics and family life requires discipline, but she has managed to succeed by keeping communication open with her children and making time for them whenever possible.
Hassan’s story shows that women in politics must develop a strong sense of discipline, both in managing their time and in maintaining family connections. Her journey emphasizes that it is possible to achieve balance when there is a deep understanding and support from family members.
Conclusion
African women in politics face unique challenges when balancing family life with their political careers. The stories of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Amina J. Mohammed, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Joyce Banda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan demonstrate that with strong support systems, effective time management, and clear priorities, it is possible to succeed in both realms.
These women are not just politicians; they are mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters. Their journeys reflect the determination and resilience required to balance family and politics, offering valuable lessons for women aspiring to enter public service while maintaining strong family bonds. These stories serve as powerful examples of how African women can redefine leadership while staying true to their personal lives.
