Make Every Woman Count - Promoting the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Africa
"To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it"
Mother Theresa
Political Participation & Leadership
It has been argued that where women are fully represented, societies are more peaceful and stable. Women political participation is fundamental for gender equality and their representation in positions of leadership must be a priority for all Africans governments. Women are largely under-represented in decision-making and leadership positions in Africa.
Over the last years, there has been more women in parliaments, decision-making positions than before. However, women participation in governmance and decision-making positions remain very limited. They are outnumbered by men in all decision-making and leadership positions.
In the history of Africa, there has been only one woman who has been elected president among the fifty thre countries in Africa. Since the election of September 2008, Rwanda is the only country in Africa with the highest number of women in parliament with 56 percent of seats.
There is progress here and there on the continent regarding women's rights . We must go much further to ensure greater gender equality in Africa. It is not just a matter of justice....When women take their rightful place at the negotiating table, in the parliament and in leadership positions across society, we can unleash Africa’s enormous potential..." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
To learn more about women's political participation, please visit the following websites: