Mbong Madelle Kangha believes the most exciting trend in Africa today is the increasing
involvement of women in the continent’s political and economic leadership. "Africa deserves another
kind of leadership which women can offer," Madelle says. "This involves love and respect for one
another and peaceful negotiation and diplomacy . . . there is an advantage to having the caring
nature of a mother making decisions."
Perhaps it is the outstanding female leaders around her that have inspired Madelle’s
outlook. When Madelle became the best female candidate in the nation on the 2006
O-Level Exams, she had the opportunity to meet the First Lady of Cameroon.
And with her mother as her role model, Madelle endeavors to encourage and influence others towards
ethical, self-reflective leadership. As her school's prefect, she "began by adopting a model of
evaluating first myself as a leader and recognizing my flaws."
The future holds many more opportunities for this bright young woman. As the youth leader of
the local Young Catholic Students group, Madelle will represent the Archdiocese of Bamenda at World
Youth Day 2008 in Australia – an event that will host dignitaries including the Pope Benedict XVI.
Of her own future, Madelle says "I hope to one day use my leadership to impact the [lives] of
others in my country."
O-Level Exams, she had the opportunity to meet the First Lady of Cameroon.
And with her mother as her role model, Madelle endeavors to encourage and influence others towards
ethical, self-reflective leadership. As her school's prefect, she "began by adopting a model of
evaluating first myself as a leader and recognizing my flaws."
