Facebook publishes LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women, a book that highlights women leaders from across Africa.
As part of the international celebration of Women's History Month, Facebook has published LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women, a collection of real and inspiring stories shared by 19 women from diverse backgrounds who are pushing boundaries in fields such as media, entertainment, politics, education, and business.
Available free of charge in digital and physical formats, the book offers life lessons for present and future generations. Each chapter focuses on a personal experience and provides insight into how these women overcame challenges and obstacles. The book aims to encourage, inspire, and guide readers, regardless of their age, background, or ambitions.
LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women follows the successful launch in South Africa last year of Inspiring Changemakers: Lessons from Life and Business. This 2021 edition is brought to life through a series of beautiful illustrations specially created by four female artists from the continent: Massira Keita from Côte d'Ivoire, Lulu Kitololo from Kenya, Karabo Poppy from South Africa, and Awele Emili from Nigeria.
The book is available for free download online and will also be printed in more than 5,000 copies to be distributed to several Facebook partner organizations, including She Leads Africa, Fate Foundation, DigifyAfrica, Siyafunda, Smart Ecosystems for Women, and cCHub. It will be distributed in 15 countries, including Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Nigeria, in schools and to beneficiaries of training offered by Facebook's partners.
Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director for Africa at Facebook, said: "At Facebook, we know that African women are leading the way in building the future of our continent. As mothers, activists, entrepreneurs, and CEOs, they are the architects of change. This book celebrates some of the exceptional African women who are pioneering, motivating, inspiring, and advocating for a better world. We are excited by their individual stories, inspired by the challenges they have overcome
, and grateful for the lessons they share."
LeadHERs: Life Lessons from African Women includes testimonials from:
- Elizabeth Akua Ohene – Journalist and politician [Ghana]
- Alice Nkom – Lawyer and human rights activist [Cameroon]
- Tecla Chemabwai – Athlete and educator [Kenya]
- Baratang Miya – Entrepreneur and CEO [South Africa]
- Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim – Environmental activist [Chad]
- Dr. Judy Dlamini – Entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist [South Africa]
- Hawa Sally Samai – Founder, CEO [Sierra Leone].
- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – Founder and CEO [Ethiopia]
- Lelemba Phiri – Entrepreneur, investor, educator [Zambia]
- Temi Giwa-Tubosun – Founder and CEO [Nigeria]
- Vanessa Hau Mdee – Media personality, musician, and podcaster [Tanzania]
- Monica Musonda – Lawyer, entrepreneur, and CEO [Zambia]
- Saran Kaba Jones – Founder and CEO [Liberia]
- Kalista Sy – Showrunner and screenwriter [Senegal]
- Yvonne Okwara – Journalist and TV presenter [Kenya]
- Tara Fela-Durotoye – Entrepreneur and CEO [Nigeria]
- Noella Coursaris Musunka – Model and philanthropist [Democratic Republic of Congo]
- Samantha "MisRed" Musa – Media personality, social influencer, and philanthropist [Zimbabwe]
- Djamila Ferdjani – Doctor and entrepreneur [Niger]
Read also: Joint interview with Olivia Nloga and Aïda Ndiaye from the Facebook team – French-speaking Africa
Press release