Dear Reader,

The month of March was a huge success, thanks to you. We took a big leap in our approach of paying homage this Women's History Month with our inaugural OkayAfrica’s 100 Womenlist.

To accompany our theme, “Black Girls Only,” we wanted to celebrate black women who are making waves, shattering ceilings, and uplifting their communities this year—and every year hereafter.

We felt it was our duty to share at least 100 dope women who hail from the continent and the diaspora with you. Since we have the amazing privilege of calling brilliant African women our family, friends, mentors, idols and seestahs—it was only right to present this amazing collective of Visionaries, Champions, Innovators, Pioneers and Creators.

Compiling this list was no easy feat. We took into consideration recommendations from our ever-growing network and nominations from our audience to bring you a combination of bonafide leaders and up-and-comers who are game-changers in their respective fields.

Representation by country and social impact were also key factors, including how well these women use their resources to help other women. All of these individuals are beacons in their communities. All of these ladies are fearless, unapologetic and driven.

We gathered as African women who worked tirelessly on this list. After months of researching, learning, intense debating and listening, our hope is that you continue to feel as empowered by and proud of the women profiled on the list as we do.

OkayAfrica’s 100 Women is for us, by us—honoring these amazing African women like this has never been done before—and this is only the beginning.

We'd love to thank our awesome writers and members of the OkayAfrica team who helped us get this out in the world to you all.

Many thanks to you—for reading, sharing and giving us great feedback on a project we hope you return to for inspiration beyond today.

Signed,

The Women of OkayAfrica

(L-R from the top) Oyinkan Olojede, Hanan Osman, Sinat Giwa, Antoinette Isama, Damola Durosomo, Josephine Opar, Chika Okoli. Photo by Kanil Ward.

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Antoinette Isama | Associate Editor

Instagram: @justantoinette

Twitter: @AntoinetteIsama

Damola Durosomo | Staff Writer

Instagram: @damolisher

Twitter: @ohhhdeedee

Josephine Opar | Contributing Writer

Instagram & Twitter: @josephineopar

Oyinkan Olojede | Marketing Associate

Instagram & Twitter: @kokothenut

Chika Okoli | Social Media Manager

Instagram: @chika.okoli

Hanan Bashir Osman | Executive Assistant/Operations

Instagram: @Xanan1136

Sinat Giwa | Projects and Operations: Okay Space (OkayAfrica & Okayplayer)

Instagram & Twitter: @seenahgee