Jeanne Martin Cissé (1926-2017) was a prominent figure in Guinea and Africa, whose remarkable journey exemplifies the emergence of African women on the international political stage in the 20th century. Born in Kankan into a mixed-heritage family that valued education, she became one of Guinea’s first female teachers before entering politics. Her rise led her to high-ranking positions, notably as the first woman to preside over the United Nations Security Council in 1972, Guinea’s Minister of Social Affairs, and Chair of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid.
A tireless advocate for women’s rights and a key figure in pan-Africanism, she made history through her commitment to the fight against apartheid and the empowerment of African women. Despite personal hardships, including the imprisonment and death of her second husband at Camp Boiro and her own detention following Sékou Touré’s death, she continued her activism until her passing in Conakry, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and resilience for future generations.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 6, 1926, in Kankan, Guinea, Jeanne Martin Cissé grew up in a multicultural family. The eldest of seven children, she was the daughter of Darricau Martin, a postal worker of mixed Malinké descent, and Damaye Soumah, a trained midwife from a Soussou family. This dual heritage and the strong emphasis her parents placed on education shaped her worldview from an early age.
In 1940, she passed the entrance exam to the École Normale des Jeunes Filles de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, becoming the first young girl from Kankan to achieve this feat. She continued her studies at the École Normale of Rufisque in Senegal under the direction of Germaine Le Goff. This institution played a crucial role in her development, instilling in her not only pedagogical skills but also a strong pan-African consciousness and a commitment to women's rights.
Teaching Career
Graduating in 1944, Jeanne Martin Cissé became one of Guinea’s first female teachers. She began her career at the girls’ school in Kankan, pioneering women's education in Guinea. From 1954 to 1958, she served as a school principal, actively contributing to the country's educational development.
Political and Union Activism
Her political journey began in 1946 when she joined the Union Mandingue. After meeting Sékou Touré, then a postal workers’ union leader, she joined the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (RDA) in December 1947. Her political engagement deepened over the years, especially after Guinea's independence in 1958.
Her political career saw a remarkable rise:
- 1968: Elected as a Member of Parliament in Guinea
- 1971: Joined the Central Committee and later the Political Bureau of the Parti Démocratique de Guinée
- 1972-1976: Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
- 1976: Appointed Minister of Social Affairs
International Activism
Jeanne Martin Cissé’s commitment to pan-African and feminist causes was evident in several key roles:
- 1962-1974: Secretary-General of the Conference of African Women
- 1963-1969: Guinea’s Representative to the UN Commission on the Status of Women
- 1972: First woman to preside over the United Nations Security Council
- 1974: Chair of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid
Her diplomatic work was particularly notable in the fight against apartheid, where she traveled extensively to support the African National Congress (ANC) and condemn the South African regime.
Challenges and Resilience
Jeanne Martin Cissé's life was also marked by personal and political hardships. She lost her first husband, Mohamed Camara, in a car accident in 1946. Her second husband, Ansoumane Touré, died in detention at Camp Boiro in 1971. After Sékou Touré’s death in 1984, she was imprisoned for thirteen months before being released without charges. Despite these painful experiences, she remained dedicated to the causes she held dear.
Publications
Her autobiography, La Fille du Milo, published in 2009 by Éditions Présence Africaine, offers a valuable account of her life and Guinea’s history, though she chose not to comment on Sékou Touré’s regime.
Awards and Recognitions
- 1975: International Lenin Peace Prize
- 2002: Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo (Silver), awarded by the South African President for her contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle
Personal Life
Jeanne Martin Cissé was married twice: first to Mohamed Camara in 1946, then to Ansoumane Touré in 1948. A mother of six, she successfully balanced family life with her political commitments in often challenging circumstances.
Conclusion
Jeanne Martin Cissé passed away on February 21, 2017, in Conakry, leaving behind the legacy of a woman who shattered numerous glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of African women in politics. Her extraordinary journey, from the École Normale of Rufisque to the highest international institutions, symbolizes the rise of African women on the global political stage and their contributions to equality and justice. A leading figure of pan-Africanism and the fight for women's rights, she embodies the resilience and dedication of African women in nation-building and human rights advocacy.
