As we pursue gender equity, the global community must confront an unfortunate reality: women in African nations are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making processes. Despite progress, African women represented less than 10% of speakers at the recent UN General Assembly, highlighting the challenges of outdated cultural norms, inadequate representation, and limited access to education and resources.
It is crucial that Sustainable Development Goal 5, which promotes gender equality, is upheld. While attending the Summit of the Future: Strengthening the Foundations for the Next Generation of African Women Leaders event on September 26th, it was clear that women holding leadership positions can be transformative for not only the continent of Africa but the international community at large. Rwanda, for example, is the “first country in the world with a female majority holding governmental positions.” (Women Representation, n.d.) Rwanda demonstrates that gender equity is achievable. However, more African governments must take action to create environments where women can thrive.
Building on Rwanda’s example, African governments must be held accountable for creating environments where African women can flourish. As Africa enters the digital age, it is imperative that Africans work together to bridge the gap between women, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence, as stated in The Pact for the Future. Ensuring they have access to education and resources to aid this progress will benefit future generations.
The Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights guarantees rights to African women and girls. It shines a light on harmful traditional practices such as child marriage, reproductive health & rights, roles in the political process, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women. “Forty-nine out of fifty-five African Union Member Countries have signed on.” (The Maputo Protocol: Protecting African Women's Rights, n.d.) The Maputo Protocol has led to advancements in women’s rights, from abortion access to equal pay. Ensuring all African countries sign on is crucial for this work and the future.
At the Summit, female representatives from Sudan and Zimbabwe shared their experiences with conflict, displacement, and financial exclusion. These stories highlight women's barriers and serve as powerful reminders of the need for comprehensive solutions prioritizing women’s protection, financial inclusion, and leadership in peacebuilding. Women must remain at the heart of these initiatives as we look toward the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Global Review and Agenda 2063—the African Union’s blueprint for sustainable development. Achieving the Africa we envision is possible, where gender equity is integral to sustainable development and global progress.
Collaborating with the African diaspora is a promising avenue for transformative change. Women and men outside of Africa are eager to continue building sustainable development. A speaker from Brooklyn, NY, stated that “Unity is essential. As a people, we have what we need.”
As one speaker at the Summit eloquently said, “Together we rise, together we lead, together we transform the future of Africa.”
More Resources:
The Maputo Protocol: Protecting African Women's Rights. (n.d.). Equality Now. https://equalitynow.org/promoting_african_womens_rights/ Women representation. (n.d.). Parliament. https://www.parliament.gov.rw/women-representation/