Women are the economic drivers of Africa, on average working twice as many productive hours as men. They are also the constituency most incentivized to build peace. A gender-based approach to conflict prevention has the potential to transform the continent. And at the forefront of that approach is Bineta Diop, 61. The founder of Femmes Africa Solidarité, Diop focuses on women-led peace building in the most fragile states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Her relentless campaign for gender parity is empowering women to play a leading role in African development.
Ibrahim's foundation promotes leadership, development and democracy in Africa