African Politics: Resisting the ‘Boys Club’ Narrative
Wednesday, 8 March 2023
12pm Washington D.C.
5pm London
6pm Paris / Lagos / Kinshasa
7pm Cape Town / Cairo
8pm Nairobi
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Google | Outlook | YahooWomen's political participation in Africa has achieved considerable progress in recent decades, with many countries striding towards greater gender parity in leadership and decision-making positions. Nevertheless, the region remains largely unequal.
The under-representation of women largely reflects the dominant political culture, though there is nothing particularly ‘African’ about this reality since women are also under-represented in most Western parliaments. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women in African countries hold on average about 26% of seats in parliament. Rwanda leads the way with 61%, followed by South Africa (46%), Namibia (43%), and Senegal (43%).
There are also a number of examples of women who have, over the years, broken through the glass ceiling and taken up space at the highest levels of governance.
Africa’s first democratically-elected woman president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, led Liberia through reconciliation and recovery following a civil war. In 2012, 19-year-old Ugandan, Proscovia Alengot Oromait, became the youngest person in Africa to be elected a member of parliament. And in Zimbabwe, Fadzayi Mahere – a previous speaker on our show – transitioned from an independent candidate in Zimbabwe’s 2018 election to an official spokesperson of the country’s leading opposition political party.
Despite these examples, however, barriers persist. For example, limited access to education and income-generating activities compromise women’s ability to campaign. The commercialization of politics makes the political playing field highly unfair. Violence against women muzzles their voices – both in person and online. And dominant gender norms continue to push women to the periphery.
This live show – taking place on International Women’s Day – will celebrate successful women leaders and reflect on what their personal journeys can teach us. We will seek to answer difficult questions: Why has democracy failed to deliver on issues such as inclusivity in politics and governance? Why does women’s representation in politics matter? And are women leaders better positioned to champion policies that respond to the needs of women and other marginalized groups?
Join us on March 8!