As Africa’s political landscape evolves, the bold and fearless voices of young women are breathing new life into parliaments across the continent. These women are no longer on the sidelines of political discourse—they are at the forefront, driving change and challenging traditional norms. Countries like Rwanda and Senegal are setting the pace, with female representation in parliament exceeding 60% and 46%, respectively. These young female parliamentarians, many in their twenties and thirties, demonstrate that leadership is defined not by age but by vision, determination, and the willingness to serve.
In this article, we profile eight young female parliamentarians who have made significant strides in their respective countries, shaping policy and advocating for change. From Emma Theofelus in Namibia, who at 23 became the youngest deputy minister in Africa, to Linet Chepkorir, Kenya’s youngest parliamentarian, these women are breaking barriers, pushing for gender equality, and fighting for the rights of the underrepresented. Their contributions to sectors like education, youth empowerment, and public health show that the future of Africa’s political leadership is increasingly female.
1# Emma Theofelus – Namibia’s youngest female parliamentarian
Emma Theofelus is a young Namibian politician and deputy minister of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology as of February 2024. She studied law at the University of Namibia and is currently the youngest woman government minister in Africa and Namibia.
In March 2020, at just 23 years old, Emma was appointed a parliamentarian and deputy minister. She has since made a profound impact on youth empowerment, public health awareness, and gender equality. She was crucial in disseminating COVID-19 information, making government communication accessible to the youth, and advocating for women’s rights.
2# Hlomela Bucwa – South Africa’s advocate for youth empowerment
Hlomela Bucwa is a South African politician known for being one of the youngest Members of Parliament in her country’s history. She attended Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), where she studied Law. Bucwa became actively involved in politics in 2011 as an activist for the Democratic Alliance Student Association (DASO), and this made her passionate about seeing a better South Africa. In 2015, she became the university’s first female Student Representative Council (SRC) president.
Bucwa became a parliamentarian in 2016 at 24, representing the Democratic Alliance. She became the Baby of The House, taking over from Yusuf Cassim. Her impact has been focused on youth empowerment, education reform, and social justice. Hlomela has used her platform to advocate for better opportunities for young people and to address inequality in South Africa’s education system.
3# Patience Masua – Namibia’s emerging political Voice
Patience Masua has made her mark as a young Namibian politician. She was born in Gobabis, Omaheke, in January 1999, after which her family moved to Windhoek. Patience pursued her law studies at the University of Namibia, where she ventured into student politics and activism. She actively gave her opinion through her newspaper pieces and later served in the student union as a Representative for the Faculty of Law at the University of Namibia. She also served as Secretary General of the Namibia National Students Organization and served in the UNAM SRC as a student parliamentary speaker.
In April 2021, at just 22 years old, she made headlines when President Hage Geingob appointed her to the Namibian Parliament. Masua later founded the Patience Masua Foundation Africa (PMF Africa), which was established to empower young Namibians in education, entrepreneurial development, capacity-building, and research.
Her impact has been centred on youth empowerment, women’s rights, and ensuring that young voices are heard in national discussions.
4# Linet Chepkorir ‘Toto’ – Kenya’s youngest female parliamentarian
Linet Chepkorir, affectionately known as ‘Toto,’ is a young Kenyan politician who hails from Bomet County. At just 24 years old, Chepkorir was presumed to be the youngest Kenyan parliamentarian as of August 2022 and is now the Woman Representative in Bomet County.
She pursued her education at Tharaka University College, where she studied for a degree in Procurement and graduated in 2021. Linet also advocates for youth development, women’s empowerment, and better educational opportunities in her rural constituency.
5# Liezl van der Merwe – South Africa’s voice for the marginalised
Liezl van der Merwe is an advocate for the marginalised in South Africa. She grew up in a time when the complex socio-political situation in her country moulded her. She witnessed the struggles of those left behind by the system and desired to serve the public better because of this.
Merwe later got a Diploma in Journalism. While in school, she started shaping her political ideas. She moved to London and worked as a broadcaster with ITV, after which she returned to South Africa, where she became a member of the IFP.
Her ascent to the South African Parliament came in 2012, when she became a parliamentarian in the National Assembly of South Africa, representing the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
From the moment she stepped into the political arena, her presence was felt. She quickly established herself as a fearless advocate for human rights, gender equality, and justice for all South Africans, regardless of their social standing.
6# Elsabe Natasha Ntlangwini – Champion of economic freedom in South Africa
Elsabe Natasha Ntlangwini is known for her sharp intellect and dedication to social justice in South Africa’s political arena. She is a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters and is committed to ensuring that every South African voice is heard, particularly those often silenced and overlooked.
Born and raised in South Africa, Ntlangwini’s connection to the struggles of everyday people is deeply personal. She grew up surrounded by inequality and discrimination, and this early exposure to injustice brought her into the heart of the nation’s politics.
Ntlangwini earned her law degree from Stellenbosch University. She was involved in the ANC’s youth and women’s leagues. After she resigned from her job, she joined the Economic Freedom Fighters. She became a member of the South African Parliament from May 2014 until May 2024.
7# Tasneem Motara – South Africa’s rising political star
Born in South Africa, Tasneem Motara became aware of the inequalities in her nation. This awareness, coupled with her desire to improve the everyday lives of her fellow citizens, led her to pursue a political path.
Tasneem earned a degree in psychology from the University of South Africa. She joined the African National Congress Youth League’s branch in Benoni in 2000 and entered the political scene as a member of the South African Parliament in 2019.
Motara was elected deputy provincial secretary of the ANC in Gauteng in June 2022. In October 2022, she became the MEC for Economic Development in the executive council of Premier Panyaza Lesufi. In July 2024, she was appointed MEC for Human Settlements.
8# Hellen Auma Wandera – Uganda’s advocate for gender equality
Hellen Auma Wandera is a Ugandan politician and member of the Ugandan Parliament. She is the Busia District Women Representative elected to Uganda’s 11th Parliament and serves on the Committee on Presidential Affairs.
Wandera studied at Kyambogo University, earning a Bachelors Degree in Arts And Social Science. In 2021, she replaced Jane Nabulindo Kwoba and became a parliamentarian, representing the people of Busia District in Uganda’s national assembly.
Since taking office, Wandera has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment and gender equality, actively working on policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people and women in her community. Her efforts have impacted education, provided employment opportunities, and catered for the social welfare in Busia District.
These young female parliamentarians represent the future of African leadership, proving that age is no barrier to political influence. Their passion for public service and their desire for change are helping to reshape the political landscape across the continent, driving progress in gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice. Their work is inspiring the next geration of female parliamentarians that would further innovate Africa’s political landscape.
