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African politics is a man's world – but we women are still blazing a trail, by Evelyn Anite

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By Evelyn Anite, Uganda's minister of finance for infrastructure and privatization.

When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stands down later this year as president of Liberia, it will mean that for the first time in more than a decade, no African country will be led by a woman. While strong female leaders are still emerging to play a critical role in African politics, it is a reminder that we cannot take our foot off the pedal. 

I know from first-hand experience how tough it can be for African women to win the top political positions. I’m the youngest woman in the Ugandan government and the youngest female minister in Africa.

In Uganda and across Africa as a whole, women are the backbone of society and the economy. The continent is dominated by small-scale farming and “informal” traders, close to 80% of whom are women and are often the sole providers for their families. Yet, despite our central role shouldering this economic and social burden, we often struggle to gain a seat at the decision-making table.

Click here to read the rest of the op-ed published by The Guardian on 12 June 2017.