- In some cases, women who manage to break through face resistance from male counterparts who are hesitant to cede power to female leaders.
- African countries are still far from achieving women’s equal and effective participation in political decision-making.
- While strides have been made, there is still a significant gender gap in political leadership positions across the continent.
The conversation on women’s representation has gained traction and caught the attention of many over the recent years.
Implementing the discussion and driving tangible change, however, have continued to take longer than expected, continuing to deprive women and girls of their rights to be fully represented in different spheres of the political arena.
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), “Gender equality and women’s empowerment remain critical development issues in many countries worldwide.
Achieving women’s representation in elected institutions in equal proportion to men is essential to establishing the credibility and legitimacy of parliaments, national assemblies, and local governments.”
What reports say
According to 2021 data on women political representation in Africa, Women comprise only 24% of the 12,113 parliamentarians in Africa, with 25 percent being in the lower houses and 20 percent in the upper houses of parliaments.
Out of the 1,348 ministers who were on the continent in 2021, 302 were women.
This is according to data by Women’s Political Participation: Africa Barometer 2021, published in March 2021.
Evidently, some African countries have, over time, done better than their counterparts in term of empowering and allowing women leaders to join and thrive in politics.
Rwanda (61%), Namibia (46%), South Africa (43%), Mozambique (40%), Ethiopia (39%), Tanzania (37%), Burundi (36%) and Uganda (34%) are some of the countries that have shown significant progress, according to the Barometer report.
In these countries, multifaceted efforts have proved life-changing, for when women and girls are represented in political spaces, it makes it easy for them to be considered in financial allocation for their education, health and empowerment, among other benefits.
Kenya’s efforts to increase women’s political representation have also been boosted through the implementation of the affirmative action encapsulated in the Kenyan 2010 Constitution, allowing each county to elect a women representative.
The country’s one-third gender rule is yet to bear fruits, despite the constitution’s guidance in Chapter Four of the Bill of Rights, Article 27(3), that “Women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres.”
Inspirational presence
Their representation also makes their voice available in the decision-making tables, not to mention the immense role-modelling work it does to other women aspiring to venture into politics and climb the ladder.
Sadly, these numbers are true witnesses to the report’s compliment, “African countries are still far from achieving women’s equal and effective participation in political decision-making.”
More, and even much more, must be done to emancipate more women and girls in Africa from the shackles of being represented and spoken for by men, who rarely understand the challenges they pass through, and what they need to progress in their life.
Challenges to women’s political leadership
Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of women’s participation in politics, numerous challenges persist across Africa. Societal norms, deeply rooted gender biases, and cultural traditions often hinder women’s access to leadership positions.
Additionally, women often face barriers such as limited access to education, economic opportunities, and resources, which in turn restrict their ability to actively engage in political spheres.
Political violence and harassment targeting women politicians is another significant deterrent. Threats, intimidation, and violence undermine women’s confidence and discourage them from pursuing leadership roles.
In some cases, women who manage to break through face resistance from male counterparts who are hesitant to cede power to female leaders.
Progress and positive developments
Despite these challenges, there have been encouraging signs of progress. Over the past few decades, several African countries have witnessed the emergence of women leaders who have made significant contributions to their nations.
Prominent figures like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became Liberia’s first female president in 2006, and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, who served as the President of Mauritius, have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for more women to aspire to leadership roles.
African governments and international organizations have also taken steps to promote gender equality in political leadership.
Many countries have adopted legal frameworks and quotas aimed at increasing women’s representation in parliament and other decision-making bodies.
For instance, Rwanda boasts one of the highest proportions of women in parliament globally, thanks to a constitutional provision that reserves 30% of seats for women.
Such measures have contributed to improved representation and more inclusive policy-making processes.
The essence of gender parity
The importance of women’s political leadership cannot be overstated. Gender parity in political representation brings diverse perspectives to the table, leading to more comprehensive policy discussions and solutions.
Women leaders often prioritize issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, areas that are crucial for sustainable development.
Moreover, female leaders serve as role models, inspiring younger generations of women to pursue their aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and actively engage in civic and political activities.
Research has shown that countries with higher levels of women’s political participation tend to experience reduced corruption, improved social services, and greater economic stability.
When women have a stake in policy-making, the overall quality of governance tends to improve, leading to positive societal outcomes.
Inspiring stories from across Africa
In recent years, African women have made remarkable strides in politics, each contributing their unique experiences and strengths.
Sahle-Work Zewde became Ethiopia’s first female president in 2018, emphasizing the significance of women’s participation in peace and security discussions.
In Malawi, Joyce Banda served as the country’s first female president, championing policies that aimed to uplift the lives of marginalized communities.
In Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, initiated the “Rebecca Foundation,” focusing on issues such as maternal and child health, education, and gender equality.
This highlights how women’s influence extends beyond formal political roles, impacting grassroots initiatives and community development.
Continued efforts and future prospects
While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Ensuring sustained change requires tackling underlying socio-economic barriers, providing education and training opportunities, and cultivating a culture of gender equality.
Encouraging women’s participation in all levels of government, from local to national, is essential for creating a more inclusive political landscape that genuinely represents the diverse population of Africa.
Efforts should focus on dismantling cultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s participation. This requires comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and promote the value of women’s contributions to governance.
Way out
While strides have been made, there is still a significant gender gap in political leadership positions across the continent.
Addressing this disparity demands a collaborative effort involving governments, civil society, and international organizations to challenge societal norms, promote education, and provide support systems for aspiring women leaders.
Achieving greater gender parity in political leadership will not only contribute to more inclusive governance but also pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all Africans.
Women’s political leadership representation in Africa is a dynamic landscape that reflects both achievements and ongoing challenges.
The continent has witnessed inspiring stories of women who have broken barriers and shaped policy discussions, but there is a pressing need to accelerate progress and ensure sustainable change.
By addressing deeply ingrained gender biases, providing equal opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment, Africa can pave the way for increased gender parity in political leadership, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
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It’s time to allow them to express themselves and speak up their mind.
