Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a globally recognised advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. As an influential leader, she has dedicated her career to empowering women and girls in various capacities.
From her work as the Executive Director of UN Women to her championing of the HeForShe campaign, Mlambo-Ngcuka has consistently fought for a more inclusive and equitable world.
Mlambo-Ngcuka was born on November 3, 1955, in Claremont, South Africa. Growing up during the apartheid era, she witnessed firsthand the injustice and discrimination that marginalised communities, most especially women.
Despite the challenges, Mlambo-Ngcuka pursued her education and obtained a bachelor’s degree in social science and education from the University of Lesotho. She later earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy in Educational Planning and Policy from the University of Cape Town.
Mlambo-Ngcuka’s passion for social justice led her to actively participate in the anti-apartheid movement. In 1994, when South Africa transitioned to democracy, she played a crucial role in the newly formed government.
She served as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Minerals and Energy, and Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008, becoming the first woman to hold such high-ranking positions in the country.
In 2013, she was appointed as the Executive Director of UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment. In this role, she streamlined efforts to address various challenges faced by women worldwide, including violence against women, economic inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Under her leadership, UN Women launched initiatives like the Step It Up for Gender Equality campaign, which rallied commitments from governments, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate gender equality efforts.
Mlambo-Ngcuka’s commitment to inclusivity extended beyond her work at UN Women; in 2014, she launched the groundbreaking HeForShe campaign, which called on men and boys to take an active role in promoting gender equality.
This initiative aimed to create a global solidarity movement where men could stand alongside women as allies in the fight for equality. The campaign garnered immense support, with prominent figures like actor Emma Watson becoming ambassadors for its cause.
By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and fostering partnerships, she has helped pave the way for a more inclusive and equal world. Her fight for gender equality has made her an inspirational figure in the global fight for inclusive development.
Throughout her career, Mlambo-Ngcuka has left an indelible mark on the advancement of women’s rights. From advocating for gender-responsive budgeting to pushing for women’s political participation and leadership, her tireless efforts have had a transformative effect on the lives of countless women and girls across the globe.
