Carmen Pereira facts for kids

Carmen Maria de Araújo Pereira (born September 22, 1936 – died June 4, 2016) was an important politician from Guinea-Bissau. She made history by becoming the first woman to be an acting president in Africa. This happened in 1984, and she was the only woman to hold this role in Guinea-Bissau's history. Her time as acting president was very short, lasting only three days. Carmen Pereira passed away in Bissau in 2016.

Growing Up in Guinea-Bissau

Carmen Pereira was born in Bissau, which was then a Portuguese colony. Her father was one of the few African lawyers in the area. She got married when she was young. Both she and her husband joined the fight for their country's freedom. This was part of the Guinea-Bissau War of Independence against Portugal. Many countries in Africa were gaining independence around this time.

Fighting for Independence

Carmen Pereira started her political journey in 1962. She joined the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). This group wanted to free Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde from Portuguese rule. Both she and her husband were very active in the party.

In 1966, the PAIGC decided to involve women more equally in their efforts. Carmen Pereira became a strong leader in the revolution. She served as a Political Officer and a commander. While not many women fought on the front lines, the PAIGC was special. It worked hard to give women more equal roles in a society where men and women usually had very different jobs.

Other women leaders from the PAIGC included Teodora Inácia Gomes and Titina Silla. Carmen Pereira became a high-ranking political leader. She also represented her country at the Pan-African Women's Organization in Algeria. She had to leave Guinea-Bissau for a time. She lived in Senegal before going to the Soviet Union to study medicine.

A Career in Politics

After returning to Guinea-Bissau, Carmen Pereira worked in both health and politics. She was elected to the People's National Assembly. This is like the country's parliament. She served as the Deputy President of the Assembly from 1973 to 1984.

From 1975 to 1980, she was the chair of the Assembly. This was during the government led by João Bernardo Vieira. Later, from 1981 to 1983, Carmen Pereira was the Minister of Health and Social Affairs.

She was chosen again as President of the People's National Assembly in 1984. She held this position until 1989. During this time, from May 14 to May 16, 1984, she became the Acting President of Guinea-Bissau. This happened when a new constitution was being put into place. She was the first woman in Africa to hold such a high position.

From 1989 to 1990, Pereira was a Member of the Council of State. In 1990 and 1991, she became the Minister of State for Social Affairs. This role made her like a Deputy Prime Minister for over a year. She was removed from her position by President Vieira in 1992.