With Ghanaian Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assuming high governmental positions in their respective countries, it seems the tide is turning towards more women across Africa holding politically powerful roles.

Other sub-Saharan African prime ministers include Togo's Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Namibia's Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Uganda's Robinah Nabbanja, and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Judith Suminwa.

Namibia's president and prime minister are both women. This is notable given that the five most common ministerial posts previously held by female cabinet members were for women and gender equality, family and children affairs, social inclusion and development, social protection and social security, and Indigenous and minority affairs.

According to the United Nations' Women division, only six countries in the world have 50% or more women in their single or lower houses of parliament, with Rwanda leading globally at around 60%. Other countries on this list include Cuba, Nicaragua, Andorra, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates.

Rwanda's progress was spurred by special measures, starting with the 2003 constitution that set a 30% quota for women in elected positions. Political parties also adopted their own voluntary quotas for women candidates on party lists.

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