The wife of the former British Prime Minister Mrs Cherie Blair has said that the 21st century belongs to African women.
She said this in Abuja Tuesday at a meeting with the wife of the Nigerian president, Mrs Patience Jonathan.
Blair, who was in Nigeria to attend a seminar on equity and venture capital, said: “I’ve noticed since 2003 during my first visit to Nigeria that Nigerian women were a force to be reckoned with. The more I meet with Nigerian and African women, the more I become absolutely confident that the 21st century belongs to the African woman.”
She said she and Mrs Jonathan shared common interest on women issues, “coming from backgrounds that did not believe that women could make any difference.”
Responding, Mrs Jonathan said that Nigeria and Britain had had a very fruitful relationship which, according to her, will continue to deepen.
“I believe and appreciate you and the Cherie Blair Foundation which you’ve used to encourage women. I also wish to acknowledge your works in Africa which is duly recognized,” she said.
