The story of Africa as a historical powerhouse is often untold. Instead, the story of our continent is often clouded with inaccurate narratives of perpetual inadequacy and failure. 

But, as 21 young African woman leaders, our collective mission is to be a part of the generation that will rewrite this old narrative. Our stories will be seeds of hope for the rebirth of a fulfilled, triumphant and a more affluent Africa. We are extraordinary young women with extraordinary dreams, born and bred on the same soils as you, stretching from Cape to Cairo. Our journeys attest to the conviction that resilience and determination make dreams a reality. These are stories of how life's journey has taken us from the embrace of Africa's sunshine through many lands, trials and experiences to a seat among the stars of Africa and the world. We hope that our stories encourage you to take charge of and set a bold trajectory for your own destiny. We believe we carry with us a message of strength and of beating the odds.

HERstory, written by the 21 African Young Women Leaders who formed the first cohort of the AFYWL Fellowship Programme.