U.S. first lady Michelle Obama urged young African women to use their strong heritage to rise above the ills of today's society.

Mrs. Obama spoke at the U.S.-sponsored Young African Women Leaders Forum in Soweto.

The event brings together women from across sub-Saharan Africa who are leading or involved in social and economic initiatives in their own countries.

Mrs. Obama told the woman they represent Africa's future and that they are” heirs to blood, sweat and sacrifice.”

She said their generation can be the one that ends H.I.V. – AIDS. Mrs. Obama used her husband's rallying “yes we can” campaign slogan to inspire the women.

The first lady arrived in South Africa this week. On Tuesday, she met with 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela at his home in Johannesburg. The wife of U.S. President Barack Obama was accompanied by the couple's two daughters , her mother , and her niece and nephew.

After visiting South Africa, she will spend two days in neighboring Botswana, arriving there on Saturday.