Passion or Profession: Politician, Business Woman

Period: 1926–2005

Domitien began her political career in the only legal political party in the Central African Republic. In 1972 she became the vice president of the party, and in 1975 she was appointed the prime minister of the country by the dictator, Jean-Bédel Bokassa. The appointment made her one of the first women to serve as the head of government of an independent African nation. However, when Bokassa began talking about making himself emperor, she publicly decried the move, so she was immediately fired. Despite turbulent years, she remained a powerful politician and businesswoman in her country.