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Summary
This week’s Digest is all about women breaking barriers and leading change across the globe, from Mary Sheffield’s historic win as Detroit’s first female mayor to President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s $750 million economic milestone in Namibia. It also spotlights stories of impact and justice in Nigeria, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s community projects, renewed advocacy for #JusticeForOchanya, and the Women Affairs Minister’s support for life imprisonment for sexual predators.
This week, we spotlight stories of women making history, driving leadership, and championing justice across Africa and beyond. From political milestones in the U.S. and Namibia to community impact in Kogi, Nigeria, and conversations around justice and gender-based violence, here are the top headlines you need to know.
- Mary Sheffield Makes History as Detroit’s First Female Mayor
Mary Sheffield has made history as Detroit’s first female and first Black woman mayor, winning the 2025 election with over 76% of the vote.
Women made major political gains in the just concluded U.S. elections. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger became governor and Ghazala Hashmi was elected lieutenant governor. Mikie Sherrill won the governorship in New Jersey, Michelle Wu was re-elected mayor of Boston, Erika Evans became Seattle’s City Attorney, and Naren Briar won a City Council seat in Bellevue, Washington.
- President Nandi-Ndaitwah Leads Namibia to Historic $750 Million Debt RepaymentÂ
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has achieved a major milestone with Namibia’s historic $750 million Eurobond repayment, the largest in the nation’s history. The repayment strengthens investor confidence and supports her broader vision for a fair and stable Namibian economy.
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Commissions Projects Across Kogi Central
To commemorate her second year in office, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan launched a series of constituency projects across five local government areas in Kogi Central. The Project commission tour took place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2025. The projects included solar-powered water systems, boreholes, and smart streetlights in communities such as Ganaja, Adogo, Okene, Okaito, and Obangede.
- #JusticeForOchanya: In Nigeria, Justice is not Blind; It Follows Social Activism
People who knew 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje had three words to describe her: interesting, outspoken, and very intelligent. Hon. Enuwa Efada Soo, the founder of the rehabilitation centre, Restorer of Paths Care Foundation, who took care of the little girl while she was alive, told Naija Feminists Media (NFM) that she “loves to be in school and was always wanting to know.”
This article highlights the role social activism plays in Nigeria’s justice system. It projects the case of #JusticeforOchanya, where the rape case against the perpetrators, Victor and Andrew Ogbuja, had been dismissed, but was only reopened after public uproar.
5.Minister of Women Affairs Supports Bill on Life Imprisonment for Sexual Predators, Pledges Ministry’s Support
The Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, hailed the Senate’s leader for its landmark bill that prescribed life imprisonment for anyone guilty of raping minors. She pledges the Ministry’s readiness to work with other law enforcement agencies and ensure strict implementation of this law.
