African women are entering into influential leadership positions nationally and internationally. Asha-Rose Migiro’s giant leap in the number two job at the United Nations proves that African women are no less if given opportunity. Her appointment is a major milestone for the continent as it is directly related to the emancipation of the native women. Prior to her appointment to the UN, she was Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children for five years and worked as a senior lecturer in the University of Dar es Salaam’s Faculty of Law. In January 2006, Migiro became Tanzania’s first female foreign minister. UN spokeswoman Michele Montas asserted that her appointment is purely on the basis of her qualifications which adds to her credentials. Scholars are of the view that in Africa, only three countries that are, Mozambique, Rwanda and South Africa have accomplished the aim of having nearly 30% of the seats in national parliaments filled by women, in line with the UN target of 30 % for women in decision-making bodies. Africa’s most senior female politicians are: 1. Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka 2. Zimbabwe’s Vice President Joice Mujuru 3. Mozambican Prime Minister Luisa Dias Diogo 4. Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf However, native women are subjected to face many other hurdles as well. Since, the critics have pointed out ‘it is women and women alone who can bring meaningful change’, and not policies on their own. Therefore, elevation of women to influential positions is meaningless unless it is accompanied by the commitment to lift the lives of the majority of their lot in Africa. Image Read