Women in Defence
BREAKING BARRIERS IN THE SKIES
For decades, women have defied limits in male-dominated fields, but few roles capture that spirit like female fighter pilots. These pioneers command some...
PIONEERING WOMEN IN NIGERIA’S MILITARY HISTORY
In the annals of Nigeria’s military history, women have long been underrepresented, yet their contributions have been pivotal in reshaping the nation’s defence...
Combat Proven: African Women in Frontline Infantry and Special Forces
The history of women in African armed forces is a story of gradual but undeniable transformation. During colonial times, women’s roles in African...
Gender Integration and Leadership Gaps in Africa’s War Colleges
During the post-independence decades, Africa’s military academies and war colleges largely reflected the gender dynamics of their time—male-dominated institutions shaped by patriarchal traditions...
Female Commanders in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership Lessons from the Ground
In the decades since the United Nations first deployed peacekeepers to conflict zones, African militaries have played an increasingly prominent role in stabilisation...
Major General Anita Asmah: First African Woman Appointed UNDOF Force Commander
On December 11, 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced a groundbreaking appointment: Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana would take command of...
African Women Try to Change Their Countries’ Militaries
For hundreds of years, African women have been important to the peace and security of the continent. In the 17th century, a group...
Major General Fatuma Ahmed: Shattering Ceilings at the Kenya’s Air Force
On the morning of May 2, 2024, Kenya’s President William Ruto made a landmark announcement: Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed would become the country’s first...
Lt. Col. Onyinyechi Anele: The Voice of a New Era in the Nigerian Army
On April 22, 2025, the Nigerian Army made history. Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Appolonia Anele was appointed Acting Director of Army Public Relations—the...
