International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day and while women have made great strides, a lot still remains to be done as evidenced by this. Asia leads the way when we comes to the appointment of women to senior positions. Interestingly, Asia also leads the way when it comes to electing women to the top political job:

• Bangladesh - Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed,
• India - Indira Gandhi,
• Indonesia - Megawati Sukarnoputri,
• Pakistan - Benazir Bhutto,
• Philippines - Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,
• Sri Lanka - Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrike Bandaranaike Kumarutunge

which is in stark contrast to Europe:

• Britain - Margaret Thatcher
• Ireland - Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese
• Norway - Gro Harlem Brundtland

Africa elected her first female president when Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson won the popular vote to become President of Liberia. Tanzania's Asha-Rose Migiro became the first African female Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and Kenya's Wangari Maathai became Africa's first female receipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

However, for the vast majority of Africa's female population who live in grinding poverty, the achievements of their illustrious sisters have largely gone unnoticed as the daily battle for survival is foremost in their thoughts.

Msichana wa Afrika (African Girl) is an anthemic song by Divas of the Nile (DON) that seeks to address the plight of Africa's girl children by paying the fees of those girls who are academically bright, but cannot afford to go to school. Msichana wa Afrika* is an example of Afro Fusion and it will let you get in touch with your inherent rythm.

*the song lasts for about 4 mins and starts playing 44 seconds into the broadcast celebrating International Women's Day from an African perspective