Our next celebrant is from Central African Republic; Catherine Samba-Panza AKA ‘Mother Courage ‘. A woman selected to lead her people in the times of war. A time of pillage and insecurity. A position even the bravest of men hesitate to fill.

Samba-Panza is a lawyer. She specialized in Insurance Law in France. Then she returned in 1990; resuming work with Allianz a French firm.

During this time, Samba also joined non-governmental organizations. For over twenty years, she was fighting for the rights of women. She focused on FGM and help for victims of sexual assault.

Furthermore, Catherine spread her campaign to help women, to other parts of Africa. She observed that the discrimination against women was not only in Central African Republic – CAR.

In 2003, Catherine was made vice-president of a reconciliation conference. Her excellent record in this position shot her to the post of Mayor in war devastated Bangui. After only one year as mayor, Catherine was appointed interim President.

The country was in turmoil with several militant groups slaughtering themselves and fellow citizens. Yet this woman of courage, Catherine stepped up to the task. Her motherly and peace-making abilities were put on trial.

Her task:-

Talking to and brokering peace between the warring factions. And stabilizing the economy of a country which actually had no funds! Not forgetting that she was expected to conduct elections and swear in a newly elected president before leaving office.

Mrs. Samba-Panza went round the world looking for help. She got some support and had an election. Then handed over what she could rescue of the battered economy, to the new president.

Do you know that Catherine is still working in the background for her people? What do you think of that? Share in the comments section below.

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