Around the world, women leaders are more likely to be the targets of hate speech and sexual assault. In Africa specifically, they are also less likely to be included in senior government positions. This situation has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has included a spike in gender-based violence and a disproportionate decline in wage earnings. Yet women have continued to come to the fore as outspoken, courageous leaders to challenge the status quo and to lead where their male counterparts have often hesitated. This all-female episode will shine a light on the incredible work being done to resist the patriarchy in Africa and discuss how the pandemic may present an opportunity to forge more equitable societies.