On ‘Ms President,’ thousands of women compete to become the “president” of Kenya.
This season on the Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women, host Reena Ninan and reporters across Africa will meet courageous women holding leaders accountable in various sectors, including healthcare, startups, and government. Specifically, we are looking at promises made about gender equality – and seeing if they have been delivered. For example, the government of Kenya pledged to end gender-based violence by 2026. And the ministry of health in Uganda is trying to eradicate yellow fever. It is ambitious to make these kinds of pledges. But are these leaders really delivering on these promises for women and girls?
For this first episode, we decided to cover a surprising program: a reality TV show. On Ms President, women compete to become the next “president” of Kenya, where they get training to become politicians – leaders we can hold accountable. This wasn’t a typical reality TV production. In fact, a nonprofit called Media Focus in Africa launched the show with the support of the EU and the Canadian government. Reporter Eunice Maina interviews contestant Nereah Amondi Oketch to find out how she fared on the show and whether Ms President was successful at getting more women into elected office.
About The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO):
Could empowering women in the workplace be the simplest way to boost the global economy? Host Reena Ninan talks to women around the world changing the status quo in surprising ways to improve their lives, their families, and ultimately, the world. The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HER♀) is a Foreign Policy podcast supported in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
HER♀ listeners can learn more about these topics by signing up for special access to an FP Analytics policy brief on gender equality. Sign up by clicking here.
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From Foreign Policy, a curated podcast where each week we introduce you to one podcast from around the world—shows featuring interesting stories or compelling interviews and analysis on international affairs. And occasionally you’ll hear audio from our own newsroom. Join FP’s Laura Rosbrow-Telem for this curated podcast.
Africa Forward: Season 1
Introducing our debut season Africa Forward, a podcast supported by Africa50 and produced by FP Studios. Introducing Africa Forward, a podcast from Africa50 produced by FP Studios. Hosts Isha Sesay and Carol Pineau explore infrastructure challenges, successes, and opportunities in Africa.
Select Awards for HERO:
- 2023 Signal Award; Silver; Public Service, Activism & Social Impact; Individual Episode
- Runner up for 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards
