The election of 26 female MPs, up from 23 in 2017, seven female governors, up from three in 2017, and three female senators is a historic breakthrough and a step further towards gender parity. We congratulate all the gallant women candidates in various portfolios in the national elections including three who were running mates for the four presidential candidates.
From the national to the continental level, the African women in leadership and political participation are restricted. The African women are underrepresented in leading positions, whether in elected office, the civil service, the private sector or academia. This occurs despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change, and their right to participate equally in democratic governance. However, Individual women have overcome some these obstacles with great acclaim, and often to the benefit of society at large. But for the African-women as a whole, the playing field needs to be level to open opportunities for all.
According to the Africa Barometer 2021, “Women constitute only 24% of the 12,113 parliamentarians in Africa, 25% in the lower houses, and 20% in the upper houses of parliament.” FOSDA has championed the women empowerment agenda through advocacy and direct support for the amplification of women voices on matters of concern and equal representation at all levels of governance.