By Continental Pot Afrika

Speakers:

Mr. Modest Agramako: Peacebuilding Expert & Conflict Analyst                  

Ms. Nadiah Omondi: Political Scientist & Writer 

Date:

August 29, 2024

Overview:

This debrief summarises key insights from the Continental Pot Afrika discussion on “Women and Leadership in Africa,” featuring Mr. Modest Agramako and Ms. Nadiah Omondi. The session explored the evolution of women’s leadership across the continent, outlining both the progress achieved and the challenges that continue to limit gender parity in political, social, and economic spheres. Despite advances, there remains significant potential to further promote inclusivity, with the empowerment of women crucial to Africa’s development.

The State of Women’s Leadership in Africa

Africa’s demographic composition presents a vast, yet underutilised, resource of women leaders. Women comprise 51% of the continent’s population, and while empowerment efforts have increased their participation, significant disparities remain. As Mr. Agramako noted, societal norms, institutional barriers, and widespread gender-based violence (GBV) prevent the full inclusion of women in decision-making spaces, particularly in politics and the economy.

Ms. Omondi offered historical context, noting that pre-colonial African societies often valued women as integral to governance and economic life. However, the advent of colonialism and industrialisation disrupted this dynamic, leading to their marginalisation—a trend that persists, though recent gains in leadership positions across various sectors give cause for optimism.

Impediments to Women’s Leadership in Africa

Both speakers highlighted several critical challenges impeding women’s leadership:

• Gender-Based Violence (GBV): High rates of violence against women limit their public engagement. In Kenya, 42% of women report experiences of GBV, while in Uganda, the figure rises to 55%, posing a significant barrier to leadership.
• Healthcare Access: Limited access to reproductive health services exacerbates socio-economic disparities. Inadequate family planning options lead to unintended pregnancies, further constraining women’s upward mobility.
• Workplace Gender Gaps: Across the continent, a 51% gender gap persists in labour force participation. While some countries like Ghana have narrowed this gap to 24%, others, such as Mali, still face a 60% disparity.
• Legal and Institutional Barriers: Many countries, such as Burundi, have restrictive laws and inadequate legal protection for women, deepening gender inequality and limiting access to resources essential for leadership.

Opportunities for Addressing Women’s Leadership Gap in Africa

Ms Omondi emphasised that while progress has been made, significant opportunities remain to bridge the leadership gap:

• Affirmative Action: Policies like the two-thirds gender rule have led to increased female representation in leadership. However, limited financial and operational backing has curtailed their full potential. More robust resource allocation and structural support are needed to ensure long-term success.
• Economic Empowerment: Beyond education, women need access to employment opportunities and wage equity. Expanding women’s roles in the workforce can significantly reduce the gender pay gap and unlock their potential for economic leadership.
• Healthcare and Social Support: Improving access to reproductive health services and awareness programs is crucial for empowering women to take control of their social and economic futures.

Why Gender Inclusivity is Key for Africa’s Development

Gender inclusivity is vital for Africa’s sustainable development:

• Economic Growth: Increased female leadership directly contributes to more inclusive and effective governance. Rwanda, with 61% of its parliament composed of women, serves as a model for how gender inclusivity can drive more equitable policies.
• Sustainable Development: Ensuring women’s participation across all sectors maximises human resource potential and accelerates economic growth. A more inclusive Africa can address challenges more holistically, benefiting from diverse leadership perspectives.

Notable Concerns and Solutions

• Tokenism in Leadership: Both speakers raised concerns about the superficial inclusion of women in leadership, often reducing them to symbolic figures. To combat this, grassroots civic education and a merit-based approach to leadership are essential to ensure women are valued for their competence, not merely their gender.
• Sustaining Future Generations: The speakers agreed that future success hinges on women mobilising to support one another. In political spaces, women must combine strategic shrewdness with a deliberate push for inclusion, ensuring long-term representation and impact.

Conclusion

The session emphasised that the future of African development depends on empowering women leaders. While strides have been made, overcoming entrenched social, legal, and economic barriers will require coordinated efforts at all levels. Women must be positioned not only as beneficiaries but as key drivers of Africa’s development, ensuring that leadership reflects the continent’s full potential.