In honour of International Women’s Day, KFC Africa is recognising 53 trailblazing women across the continent. The “Female Firsts” list, according to an APO press release, highlights exceptional women, one from each of the 23 Sub-Saharan African countries where KFC operates, who have defied limitations and achieved remarkable feats in their respective fields.
These women, like Angolan Vice President Esperança da Costa and Côte d’Ivoire’s first female Olympic boxing captain Sedia Sanogo, have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Akhona Qengqe, the first Black female General Manager of KFC Africa, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasizes the power of inspiration: “Seeing what someone else has achieved, especially when they’ve faced the same challenges as you, can be really powerful inspiration.”
KFC Africa is committed to diversity and inclusion, mirroring its workforce, where 60% are women. Qengqe highlights this shared value with the “Female Firsts,” and the company plans to expand the list annually with public nominations.
The initiative aligns with the International Women’s Day theme of “Inspire Inclusion.” Qengqe, who joined KFC Africa in 2015, has championed inclusivity through programs like KFC Add Hope, which provides millions of free meals to children, and Women on the Move, empowering female leadership within the company.
Nolo Thobejane, Chief People and Transformation Officer, emphasises the impact of these programs and the Streetwise Academy, which tackles youth unemployment, with over half the participants being women. KFC’s commitment extends to grassroots sports with KFC Mini Cricket, providing opportunities for 120,000 girls and boys, with 60% of coaches being female.
The public is encouraged to nominate future “Female Firsts” via email for the next edition of the list. This initiative by KFC Africa celebrates the achievements of remarkable women and paves the way for a more inclusive future on the continent.