This year saw three African women take on key leadership roles . The number of middle - class women is growing . Somalia formed a government in 2012 , and Somalia 's presidential election was peaceful . The former minister took the reins of a male-dominated organization facing funding woes and challenged it to reduce its reliance on aid . Zambia won its first African Cup of Nations , nearly two years after a tragic plane crash .
This year saw three African women take on key leadership roles . The number of middle - class women is growing . Somalia formed a government in 2012 , and Somalia 's presidential election was peaceful . Zambia won its first African Cup of Nations , nearly two years after a tragic plane crash .