These Africans Made The BBC's List of 100 Influential Women In 2017

Shine, Africa, Shine!
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Sia Kambou via Getty Images

Seven women from Africa made the BBC list of 100 inspirational and innovative women in 2017.

Although no South Africans made the list this year – not because of any shortage of incredible women – we couldn't be more proud of these African women:

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, from Liberia

She is the first elected female head of state in Africa and the 24th and incumbent President of Liberia since 2006.

Marieme Jamme, from Senegal

She taught herself to read and write at the age of 16 and is now a self-made businesswoman.

A post shared by Marieme Jamme (@mjamme) on

Talent Jumo, from Zimbabwe

She supports victims of revenge porn, giving them counselling and legal advice, and fights for sexual and reproductive health rights for women in Zimbabwe.

Adelle Onyago, from Kenya

A radio and television host seeking to empower young women through mentorship and apprenticeship programmes.

Anita Nderu, from Kenya

A TV presenter and radio news anchor at Capital FM based in Nairobi, who is passionate about mentoring youth.

A post shared by Anita Nderu (@anitanderu) on

Naomi Mwaura, from Kenya

A lead organiser of the anti-harassment protest #MyDressMyChoice, which changed the law around harassment in Kenya.

Twitter

Tiwa Savage, from Nigeria

A singer, songwriter and philanthropist, Tiwa is an integral member of the Afrobeats scene and plans to open a music school.

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The names of 60 women were announced on Wednesday. The remaining 40 will be announced in October, after a series of challenges to identify them.

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