# Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

> South African politician

**Wikidata**: [Q540935](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q540935)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phumzile_Mlambo-Ngcuka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/phumzile-mlambo-ngcuka

## Summary
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a South African politician and advocate for gender equality, best known for her role as the Executive Director of UN Women from 2013 to 2021. She has been a prominent figure in South African politics, serving as Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008, and has made significant contributions to women's rights and empowerment on a global scale.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 3, 1955
- **Nationality**: South African
- **Education**: University of Cape Town, National University of Lesotho
- **Known for**: Advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, both in South Africa and internationally
- **Employer(s)**: UN Women, Government of South Africa
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Gender Equality, Women's Rights

## Contributions
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has made substantial contributions to gender equality and women's empowerment. As the Executive Director of UN Women, she led initiatives to promote women's rights and gender equality globally. Her work has included advocating for policies and programs that empower women and girls, particularly in areas such as education, economic participation, and political leadership. She has also been instrumental in raising awareness about gender-based violence and the importance of women's representation in decision-making processes.

## FAQs
**What is Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka known for?**
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is known for her work in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, both in South Africa and internationally. She served as the Executive Director of UN Women and as Deputy President of South Africa.

**Where was Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka educated?**
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was educated at the University of Cape Town and the National University of Lesotho.

**What roles has Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka held?**
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has held several significant roles, including Executive Director of UN Women and Deputy President of South Africa. She has also been involved in various political and advocacy positions.

**What awards has Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka received?**
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has received several awards, including an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan.

## Why They Matter
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka's work has had a profound impact on the advancement of gender equality and women's empowerment. Her leadership at UN Women has helped to shape global policies and programs that promote women's rights and gender equality. Her advocacy has influenced international discussions on issues such as gender-based violence, women's economic participation, and political representation. Without her contributions, the global movement for gender equality would lack a strong and influential voice.

## Notable For
- Serving as the Executive Director of UN Women from 2013 to 2021
- Being the Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand
- Being awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan
- Advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment on a global scale

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was born on November 3, 1955. She pursued her education at the University of Cape Town and the National University of Lesotho, where she gained the knowledge and skills that would later inform her political and advocacy work.

### Political Career
Mlambo-Ngcuka's political career has been marked by significant achievements. She served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008, where she played a crucial role in the country's governance and policy-making. Her tenure was characterized by a focus on social issues, including gender equality and women's empowerment.

### Leadership at UN Women
From 2013 to 2021, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka served as the Executive Director of UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. In this role, she led global initiatives to promote women's rights, advocate for gender equality, and address issues such as gender-based violence. Her leadership at UN Women has been instrumental in shaping international policies and programs that empower women and girls.

### Advocacy and Awards
Mlambo-Ngcuka's advocacy work has been recognized with several awards. She received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand, acknowledging her contributions to gender equality and women's empowerment. Additionally, she was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan, further highlighting her global impact.

### Influence and Legacy
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka's influence extends beyond her political and advocacy roles. Her work has inspired countless individuals and organizations to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment. Her legacy is one of dedication to social justice and the advancement of women's rights, making her a significant figure in both South African and international contexts.

## References

1. Davos 2014 Participant List
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Munzinger Personen
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Davos 2015 Participant List
7. Davos 2020 Participant List
8. Google Knowledge Graph