By Princess Eugene Majuru
In a world where many still question whether women can lead effectively, the work of Theresa Kachindamoto, a senior chief in Malawi, stands as a powerful rebuttal to that lingering doubt. Over the past three years, Chief Kachindamoto has annulled more than 850 child marriages, returning girls to school and banning harmful sexual initiation practices imposed on young girls in some communities.
Her actions have transformed lives. Hundreds of girls who would otherwise have been locked into early marriages now have the opportunity to pursue education, build careers, and shape their futures. Chief Kachindamoto has also enforced strict rules against parents and community leaders who allow child marriages to take place, showing the decisive moral leadership that communities across Africa desperately need.
Yet despite such remarkable examples, many voices across the continent—including some men and even women—still claim that women cannot lead. This belief persists in political debates, traditional institutions, and even everyday social conversations. But history, culture, and contemporary evidence tell a very different story.
Africa’s Long Tradition of Women Leaders
The idea that women are incapable of leadership is not rooted in African tradition. In fact, African societies historically produced powerful and respected female leaders long before colonial rule reshaped political and cultural systems.
One of the most revered figures in southern African history is Mbuya Nehanda of Zimbabwe. As a spiritual leader and strategist during the First Chimurenga, Nehanda mobilized resistance against colonial forces and became a symbol of courage, spiritual authority, and national identity.
In West Africa, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana led the famous War of the Golden Stool against British colonial rule. When male leaders hesitated, Yaa Asantewaa rose and declared that if the men would not fight, the women would. She then led the resistance herself.
Africa’s history is also filled with other formidable women leaders:
Nehanda of Zimbabwe who led liberation struggle against British colonialism.
Queen Nzinga of Angola, who resisted Portuguese colonisation for decades.
Amina of Zazzau of Nigeria, who expanded her kingdom through strategic leadership and military strength.
Makeda of Ethiopia, remembered in African and global traditions for wisdom and diplomacy. These leaders demonstrate a crucial truth: women’s leadership in Africa did not begin in modern times—it has deep historical roots.
Colonial Distortions of African Gender Roles
So why does the belief persist that women cannot lead?
One major reason lies in the colonial disruption of African governance systems. European colonial administrations often imposed patriarchal structures that marginalized women from leadership roles that they had traditionally held. Colonial governments frequently recognised only male chiefs or leaders, even in societies where women held significant authority as queen mothers, spiritual leaders, or community decision-makers.
This colonial mindset gradually reshaped perceptions across the continent. Over time, some Africans themselves began to internalise the idea that leadership is a male domain.
But examples like Chief Theresa Kachindamoto remind us that this colonial narrative is neither natural nor historically accurate.
Why Women Often Lead More Effectively
There is growing global recognition that women often lead with qualities that are essential for sustainable governance and social transformation.
Women leaders frequently emphasise:
Community welfare over personal power
Education and social development
Conflict resolution and consensus-building
Protection of vulnerable groups, especially children
Chief Kachindamoto’s work reflects precisely these values. By prioritising girls’ education and confronting harmful traditions, she is not merely exercising authority—she is transforming society.
Her leadership illustrates how women often focus on long-term social progress rather than short-term control.
Reclaiming Africa’s True Leadership Heritage
Africa’s future cannot be built on outdated ideas that undermine half of its population. When women are excluded from leadership, societies lose immense talent, wisdom, and capacity for change.
As Africans continue the struggle to redefine their identity in the post-colonial era, it is important to remember that true decolonisation is not only political or economic—it is also psychological and cultural.
The lingering belief that women cannot lead is part of that colonial residue that must be challenged and removed. Africa’s own history proves otherwise.
A Call to Complete the Decolonisation Process
As an African writer and cultural commentator, I call upon the continent to complete the decolonisation process. This means reclaiming the values and traditions that recognised the leadership of women alongside men.
It means celebrating the legacy of figures like Mbuya Nehanda, Yaa Asantewaa, Queen Nzinga, and many others who shaped African history with courage and wisdom.
And it means supporting modern leaders such as Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, who are demonstrating through action that women can lead with compassion, strength, and transformative vision.
Africa does not need to learn about women’s leadership from elsewhere. The continent’s own history already teaches that lesson. What remains is the courage to remember it—and the determination to act upon it.
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