The Benchmark

Natascha Viljoen, currently transitioning to become Newmont Corporation’s first female CEO in January 2026, continues to set new standards for leadership in the global mining industry. Having led Anglo American Platinum to remarkable growth and operational excellence, she now steps into a global role that reflects her resilience, depth, and transformative leadership. Her journey embodies progress, proving that women aren’t just participating in the mining industry, they’re shaping its future Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eEQD4mEd https://lnkd.in/eae-QY4y #WomenInLeadership #MiningIndustry #Leadership #BreakingBarriers #Newmont #NataschaViljoen #Innovation #GlobalLeadership #TheBenchmark

Growing up in a single-parent home after her father’s passing, Ifeoma Uddoh understood early how financial access could change the course of a woman’s life. Today, as the founder of Shecluded, Nigeria’s first fintech platform for women’s financial growth and inclusion, she is redefining how women access credit, build wealth, and gain confidence in their financial journey. Starting from PwC and rising to lead one of Africa’s most transformative startups for women, Ifeoma is proving that women don’t just participate in the economy, they redefine it. #WomenInFinance #FinancialInclusion #Leadership #Innovation #Impact #Shecluded #TheBenchmarkWomen #AfricanWomenInBusiness #Fintech #WomenEmpowerment

Be patient. Great things take time and you’re becoming one of them. Every step, every wait, is shaping your story. #Patience #SelfGrowth #MotivationalReel #PositiveVibes #StayPatient

Rukayat Alabi is transforming how immigrants in the UK navigate their professional journeys. Through her platform, RKY Careers, she is empowering individuals to gain clarity, confidence and access to the right opportunities for career growth. Her work goes beyond career coaching, it’s about changing narratives, breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of immigrants to dream bigger. Read more about how Rukayat Alabi is redefining access to career opportunities for UK immigrants on https://lnkd.in/e9KgnWXw #EmpowermentThroughEducation #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #ImmigrantSuccess #WomenInLeadership #CareerCoaching #BreakingBarriers #RKYCareers #TheBenchmark

When floods hit Nigeria, access to healthcare becomes a race against time. Yet, Maryam Bello is stepping in with a new approach, bringing healthcare closer to the people who need it most. As the Co-founder of Parker’s Mobile Clinic, she’s using telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and solar-powered mobile units to deliver medical care to flood-prone regions, ensuring that even when roads are cut off, healthcare remains within reach. Beyond emergency response, her work with Parker’s Resilient Health Project and ITIS 4 Development is helping communities build long-term climate and health resilience empowering the next generation through youth empowerment in STEM education. Read her full story on 👉 https://lnkd.in/enXHr8zb #MaryamBello #ClimateAction #HealthTech #WomenInTech #Sustainability #Innovation #ClimateChange #PublicHealth #TheBenchmark #ImpactLeadership #AfricaRising

Growing up in Sierra Leone, Fatu Forna, MD, MPH witnessed a reality that shaped her life’s mission the fear that mothers might not survive childbirth. Today, that fear fuels her global fight for safer motherhood. Through her leadership at the World Health Organisation, innovations like the Cocoon Pregnancy Care Model and her nonprofit, The Mama-Pikin Foundation, Dr. Forna is redefining maternal care. Her story is one of resilience, purpose and impact, showing how one woman’s vision is saving lives and reshaping maternal health across continents. Read the full story on 👉 https://lnkd.in/eSgTPi5B #FatuForna #MaternalHealth #GlobalHealth #WomensHealth #SocialImpact #PublicHealth #AfricaRising #HealthInnovation #TheBenchmark

Nigerian software engineer Adora Nwodo is redefining Africa’s digital landscape through NexaScale, an edtech platform bridging the gap between classroom learning and hands-on industry experience. Through mentorship, innovation challenges and practical training, she is equipping young Africans with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing tech world. Her work is helping build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce, one where African talent leads global innovation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eVttRkvg #AdoraNwodo #NexaScale #WomenInTech #DigitalAfrica #TechEducation #STEM #Innovation #EdTech #TheBenchmark

Dr. Esperance Luvindao is leading a quiet revolution in Namibia’s healthcare system, one rooted in access, equity and innovation. As the country’s Health Minister, her work is changing how communities experience healthcare, especially those in remote and underserved areas. Through her foundation and digital health projects, she is connecting thousands to medical support and championing universal health coverage that puts people first. Discover how she’s redefining what modern healthcare looks like in Africa. 👉 https://lnkd.in/e5eNemZg #HealthcareLeadership #WomenInPublicService #InnovationInHealth #AfricaRising #HealthEquity #DigitalHealth #TheBenchmark

Life dimmed her sight, Senator Crystal Asige found a new kind of vision, one that saw equality, access and inclusion more clearly than ever. Today, Kenya's first visually impaired senator is redefining disability and leadership for the nation. Through policy, advocacy, and her foundation, she is opening doors for persons with disabilities to thrive in education, technology and public life. Her journey reminds us that true vision is about seeing possibilities for everyone. Read her inspiring story on https://lnkd.in/eBKQ4jQW #Inclusion #Leadership #DisabilityRights #WomenInPolitics #SocialImpact #Accessibility #Equity #InspiringWomen #TheBenchmark

When Oghale Akpobome, FNCS first stepped into Shell Nigeria’s IT operations centre, she wasn’t just walking into a control room, she was stepping into the engine of one of Africa’s largest energy companies. Today, she leads that engine, ensuring technology powers every part of Shell’s growth story. As the first female Country IT Operations Manager, Oghale is redefining what digital leadership looks like in the energy sector. Through initiatives like Young & Safe Online and Decoding Data Science, she is helping young Nigerians see technology not just as a tool, but as a pathway to empowerment. 👉 Read her full story on https://lnkd.in/e4dNBRTc #DigitalTransformation #WomenInEnergy #Leadership #Innovation #TechForGood #TheBenchmark