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KFC Africa honours 55 influential women across the continent for International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day approaches, KFC Africa has honoured 55 remarkable women from across the continent whose work is transforming communities, industries and lives.
The initiative marks 55 years of KFC’s presence in Africa, with one woman recognised for each year the brand has operated on the continent. The campaign highlights women whose contributions often made quietly and without widespread recognition are creating powerful social change.
Celebrating South Africa’s Trailblazing Women
Several influential South African women leaders were included in this year’s list, recognised for their impact across sectors such as education, finance, justice and public health.
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Precious Moloi-Motsepe has been recognised as a transformative leader in the African fashion and education sectors.
Through African Fashion International, she helped organise and grow Africa’s fashion industry into a job-creating platform for women designers and entrepreneurs.
Her advocacy has also extended into policy reform. She successfully campaigned for gender-responsive budgeting in the South African Parliament, pushing for national budgets that prioritise gender equality.
Through her foundation, millions of rands in student debt have been cleared, while 2,500 bursaries for women in STEM fields have been awarded. In 2025, her leadership at the Gender, Equality, Wellness and Leadership Summit further strengthened her voice on gender equity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Lerato Lehoko
Investment strategist Lerato Lehoko has been honoured for pioneering Bonds4Jobs, the first South African platform to use Social Impact Bonds (SIBs).
These innovative financial tools connect investors, government and social organisations to fund programmes that produce measurable social outcomes, particularly job creation.
As Chairperson of the Nedbank Black Business Partners Legacy Trust, Lehoko continues to promote inclusive finance models that create sustainable employment opportunities for marginalised communities.
Mandisa Maya
Legal trailblazer Mandisa Maya has made history as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice.
Throughout her career she has authored more than 200 reported judgments, many of which set important precedents related to gender rights and language equality in the country’s legal system.
During her appointment in 2022, Maya publicly challenged sexism within the judiciary, advocating for formal policies addressing maternity rights and sexual harassment. Her leadership continues to push for a judiciary that reflects South Africa’s constitutional values of equality and inclusion.
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Globally respected scientist Quarraisha Abdool Karim has been recognised for her groundbreaking work in HIV prevention.
She became the first woman president of The World Academy of Sciences, cementing her influence in global scientific leadership.
Her research led to the development of tenofovir gel, a major breakthrough that gives women more control over HIV prevention. Her studies also highlighted the heightened vulnerability of adolescent girls to HIV infection, prompting significant changes in global public health strategies.
Women Across Africa Changing Communities
Beyond South Africa, KFC’s list includes women whose activism and leadership are transforming lives across the continent.
- Nice Leng’ete helped persuade Maasai elders in Kenya to formally abandon female genital mutilation (FGM) in 2014. Through work with Amref Health Africa and her foundation, more than 21,000 girls have escaped the practice.
- Dr Germaine Retofa has strengthened maternal healthcare in Madagascar, building systems that improve survival rates for mothers regardless of income or location.
- Alexandra Machado developed a circular mentorship programme that has supported 25,000 women in Mozambique, helping increase school transition rates for girls.
The Power of Giving
According to KFC Africa leadership, the theme for this year’s recognition programme is “Give to Gain.”
The company notes that women make up around 60% of its workforce in Africa, and many contribute to community development initiatives through programmes such as Add Hope, Women on the Move, and the Streetwise Academy.
These initiatives focus on nutrition, leadership development and skills training, empowering women and young people to achieve long-term economic mobility.
Gender Equality Still a Long Road
Despite progress, global reports suggest gender equality remains a major challenge.
The World Economic Forum estimates in its Global Gender Gap Report 2025 that gender parity in sub-Saharan Africa may still be more than a century away if progress continues at the current pace.
However, KFC Africa leadership says the stories of these 55 women demonstrate that meaningful change is already happening.
By investing in education, healthcare, economic empowerment and community leadership, these women are proving that transformation does not need to wait generations.
As KFC Africa leadership emphasised, when women are given opportunity, resources and recognition, the impact spreads far beyond individuals, it strengthens entire communities across the continent.
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