Gender Equity in Politics in Africa
November 11, 2022 - African women are the backbone of their communities, standing strong and upright, solution-oriented and determined. More and more they are able to bring this fortitude into the world of politics and political leadership despite both formal and informal barriers.
When asked in October 2015 by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics what political leadership is, Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi described it as “a love affair. You fall in love with the people you serve and they must fall in love with you. And when such is the situation, then you will never allow yourself to do anything that is not on behalf of those you serve because you love them.”
Norms and traditions from cultural, religious and social aspects, such as patriarchy, limit women’s aspirations and ability to pursue political roles. These include a bias towards male children regarding school and university attendance or gender-based expectations that women are to remain at home, raising children and taking care of the home rather than devoting time to public leadership or running for political office. Lack of economic resources is another large obstacle to women’s participation in politics.
Central African Republic’s former president, Catherine Samba-Panza, is a well known advocate for women and girls to be proactive and get involved in politics, to educate themselves on women’s rights and become interested in public matters at the local, national and international level.
Despite these challenges, 22 African women representing 17 countries, have been elected or appointed to the position of President or Prime Minister, and served for a minimum of three months since 1970.
In addition, 11 countries have elected or appointed female Prime Ministers since 1970: Burundi, Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe (twice), Senegal (twice), Togo, Tunisia and Uganda.
According to the Women’s Political Participation: Africa Barometer 2021 report, in 2019, only 24% of Africa’s 12,113 parliamentarians were female. Countries leading the way include Rwanda (61%), South Africa (46%), Namibia (44%), Senegal (43%), Mozambique (42%), Ethiopia (39%), Burundi (38%) and Tanzania (37%).
The Netherlands ranks 33rd with 39%. And Italy at 40th place with 36% female parliamentarians. The United States? In 74th place with 28%.
Including more women not only brings diverse perspectives into legislative decision making, it helps ensure the needs of the other half – the female half – of the country’s population. In addition, women have a greater awareness of and are advocates for the youth. With 60% of the population in Africa under the age of 24, the youth can be Africa’s greatest blessing or worst curse. Giving women a seat at the table is also vital to ensuring Africa’s youth becomes Africa’s greatest blessing. Let’s remember the Ethiopian proverb that advises us, “when a woman rules, streams run uphill.”
Discover more insights on political leadership in Africa and the importance of leading from life through my interviews with Africa's Heads of State in my recently released book, Africa: Reframing Political Leadership. It’s available on all Amazon country sites in print, audio and e-book formats.
Photo: Rwandan parliamentarians taking the oath of office from SheLeadsAfrica.com