It has been argued that where women are fully represented, societies are more peaceful and stable. Women's political participation is fundamental for gender equality and their representation in positions of leadership must be a priority for all African 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 and decision-making positions than before. In the parliamentary elections of Rwanda in September 2013 women obtained 64 percent of the seats, which is the highest number in the world. However, women's participation in governmance and decision-making remain very limited. They are outnumbered by men in all decision-making and leadership positions.
 
In the history of Africa, there are now three women who have been elected president:
  • Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – President of the Republic of Liberia
  • Joyce Banda – President of the Republic of Malawi
  • Catherine Samba-Panza – Interim President of the Central African Republic

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:

SOURCE: IPS

Zimbabwe’s recent election has exposed weak gender policies both at the political party and governmental levels as women were sidelined despite the fact that they make up more than half of the 6.5 million electorate.

SOURCE: New Era Live

SWAKOPMUND – Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Doreen Sioka said tackling the under-representation of women in the National Council continues to be an ongoing battle.

SOURCE: The Point

The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) with support from UNFPA under its Human Security Project recently concluded training for Women Councilors, Local Government Authorities, Ward and Village Development Committee members, and women and youth leaders on advocacy for gender-responsive budgeting and participatory planning across the country.

SOURCE: Daily Observer

Sara Beysolow Nyanti, one of the two female presidential candidates, is stirring the hearts and minds of Liberians with her "ambitious vision."

SOURCE: AllAfrica

Nairobi — Angola's Vice-President, Esperança da Costa, on Wednesday, said it is currently underway in the country the National Plan to Promote Grain Production (Planagrão) will involve more women and young people as part of the food security strategy.

SOURCE: New Dawn

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, officially launched the Women Situation Room in Liberia, aimed at promoting a peaceful electoral environment and community security here.

SOURCE: AllAfrica

Following the low representation of women in President Bola Tinubu's ministerial list, gender experts have highlighted reasons Nigerian women remain marginalized in governance.

SOURCE: New Zimbabwe

Violence, vote buying, and outright bulldozing in politics have been cited as major factors contributing to the low turnout of women in this year’s election after the country recorded a 3.4% drop in female candidates.

SOURCE: 263Chat

The Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), a non-partisan national network dedicated to promoting women's rights, has called upon the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) to adhere to the Constitution of Zimbabwe and uphold due process about the administration of the forthcoming 2023 general election.

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