Gender Equality, A Pathway To Sustainable Development

Gender inequality in the political scene

Over the years gender equality has been a major topic in the political scene with women being underrepresented in their political parties. Women leadership and participation has been restricted due to societal norms, culture, discrimination and stereotyping

Gender equality in politics is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Despite the progress that has been taken by countries to achieve the 5th SDG on Gender equality, that saw the significant increase of women in parliament around the world, women remain vastly underrepresented in the political space. Equal representation of women will be a step towards gender equality and progress in the society.

'If you empower a woman, you empower a community' African proverb.

To achieve gender equality in Africa, governments in Africa have introduced gender sensitive policies for promoting sustainable development. The most significant one is the introduction of the quota system to increase representation of women. The system has been implemented in 132 countries. Its focus is: Reserve seats for certain gender, an example of this is Kenya that introduced the 2/3 gender rule. Party quotas, here a party voluntarily sets a side certain sits for women and Legislation quotas are where a proportion of the assembly is allocated by constitution amendments.

Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa offer compelling case studies of progress and gender equality.

Rwanda’s progress 

Rwanda stands as a global leader in women’s political representation. According to 2021 edition of Inter-parliamentary Union's ''Women in parliament report''. Rwanda has the highest representation of women in the world at 61%. This has continued to increase over the years with 2008 Rwanda parliament becoming the first parliament with majority women seats at 63.8%. The drastic changes have been credited to the quota system strategies adopted in 1999. the Rwandan constitution requires at least 30% of positions with decision making authority be held by women. Establishment of four essential institutions such as MIGEPROF, GMO (Gender monitoring office), NWC (National women council), and FFRP (Rwanda women parliamentary Forum) has also played a role in the increase of women Rwanda’s political space. 

         ''Increased participation of women in politics is, therefore, necessary for improved          social, economic and political conditions of their families and the entire county'' (Paul Kagame, 2003)

Despite the strides taken by Rwanda it remains a strongly patriarchal society with gender roles remaining deeply entrenched and women continue to face economic barriers.

KENYA

Kenya has made notable strides on gender equality with the adoption of the 2010 constitution. One of the greatest aspects was the recognition of gender equality and the achievement of gender parity in government, enshrined in the principle of stating that not more than two- thirds of the members of an elective body shall be of the same gender. The 2013 constitution saw arise in the number of women joining elective politics. Women now hold 23% of position short of the expected 30% set by the constitution. The quota system put in place in Kenya has done a great job of increasing the number of women in the legislature. However, more emphasis should be put on how to apply gender quota system. The county has also made progress in girls’ education with near gender parity in primary school enrolment. Education is seen as a key player in fighting gender inequality.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa boosts of one of Africa’s most progressive constitutions on matters gender equality. The country has gender responsive budgeting initiatives that ensure resources are allocated to address women’s needs and a commission to monitor progress and implementation. The judiciary and corporate leadership have improved in bridging the gender gap.

Despite the progress made, implementation challenges remain with high rates of gender-based violence indicating a disconnect between progressive laws and societal attitudes.

Across Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa several success factors have emerged in the pursuit of gender equality. Constitutions and legal reforms establishing gender equality principles have provided essential frameworks for progress, while targeted economic empowerment programs have helped women gain financial independence and contribute more significantly to their economies. Increased access to education for girls has also proven transformative, creating pathways to leadership and economic advancement.

Despite the progress made there are still challenges like cultural and traditional attitudes derailing progressive laws especially in the rural areas, gender-based violence faced by women in politics this highlights the gap between legislative progress and social reality and urban- rural divides in implementation with rural areas benefiting less on gender equality initiatives.

Africa’s progress towards gender equality requires sustainable commitment from all stakeholders. Governments must match progressive legislation with robust implementation mechanisms. Civil society needs to continue advocacy efforts while working directly with communities to shift traditional attitudes. International partners should focus on supporting African-led-initiatives rather than imposing external solutions.

The three case studies show that significant progress is possible with political will and sustainable action. Through this Africa can continue its journey towards full gender equality, creating societies where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute and thrive.

Join the conversation.