Passion or Profession: Queen

Period: 1970–

At age 16, Mngomezulu and thousands of other women danced before the king in an annual festival. King Mswati chose her to become his third wife. Before her marriage she had wanted to be a lawyer, but members of the royal family traditionally are not allowed to work. Additionally, most Swazi women need their husbands’ permission to take a job. Mngomezulu is a hero among many Swazi women because despite the restraints of her position, she has founded a children’s charity, organized fundraisers, recorded two gospel music CDs, and earned two law degrees.