ADDIS ABABA— African countries are still far from achieving women's equal and effective participation in political decision-making. Women constitute only 24 per cent of the 12,113 parliamentarians in Africa, 25 per cent in the lower houses and 20 per cent in the upper houses of parliaments, according to the first Women's Political Participation: Africa Barometer 2021.

Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as President of Tanzania, becoming the first female head of state in the east African country following the death of president John Magufuli.

Ms Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

She assumes the presidency following Wednesday's announcement of the death of Mr Magufuli, after a more than a two-week absence from public life.

Polite, buoyant, and idealist: In many ways, Sol Arrúa comes across as a regular 21-year-old. However, as soon as we bring up the subjects of politics and leadership, which she is most passionate about, it becomes clear that there is much more about Sol than meets the eye. 

STOCKHOLM/VIENNA/WARSAW, 8 March 2021 – The role of women as leaders, particularly in peace building and conflict prevention, is essential to achieve prosperous and peaceful societies, and to guarantee the strength of our democracies, say OSCE officials on the occasion of International Women’s Day.