First Ladies, Dictators & Paradoxes: Africa has witnessed many authoritarian leaders, often labeled as dictators, who have ruled their respective countries with an iron fist. These leaders have caused immense suffering to their citizens and the impact of their rule continues to be felt today. While much attention has been paid to the leaders themselves, little is known about the wives of these dictators and the role they played during their husband’s rule. The key question is, what were the First Ladies doing while crimes, massacres & atrocities were committed by the dictators in power?