Samia ?Suluhu Hassan brings a new dawn to women leaders

Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan takes oath of office following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania March 19, 2021. [Reuters]

Gender inequality remains a global challenge to women seeking political leadership. With several countries making progress to achieve gender parity, the swearing-in of Samia Suluhu Hassan as the president of Tanzania, brings a new dawn to women’s leadership in Africa. 

Born on January 17, 1960, a native of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago, Suluhu made history of being the first female president in East Africa. She took over power after her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli died in office.