The most recent survey by the International Journal of Contemporary Research (2013) showed a positive trend in the participation of women in African politics.
The new trends in women’s political participation have been aided by an amalgamation of numerous factors. Despite the fact that, African women have made significant treads in political participation, worldwide a colossal gap is still in existence.
Participation of women in decision is increasingly been placed at the heart of the global agenda.
Confirmatory developments in African governance, which have been eased by the ever increasing consolidation of democracy in the continent, have led to the increase in women’s participation in politics.
Numerous achievements have been recorded in the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment and various policies, programmes and projects are in place to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
These changes have engendered the potential for increasing women’s entrance to political power. The new trends in women’s political participation have been aided by numerous factors.
Women in Leadership positions
The emerging trends in women’s political participation in Africa have been exhibited by the increase in the number of women in parliament.
Women’s participation in politics is important for improved governance in Africa. The attainment of gender equality and the full participation of women in decision making are key indicators of democracy.
The involvement of women in all aspects of political life produces more equitable societies and delivers a stronger and more representative democracy.
Rwanda has been ranked first globally as it has more than fifty percent of women in its elected public offices.
The Rwandan experience has proven to be a referenced landmark not only in Africa, but for all democracy.
Other African countries such as Senegal, South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda and Angola have also been highly ranked for their level of women’s representation parliament as shown in the table below.
The positive trends have also been exhibited in Malawi 2012 where Joyce Banda became the president after the death of President Bingu wa Mutarika.
The recent trends in women’s political participation have led to an increase in women’s influence in political issues from diverse angles. Women have made much influence in the constitution making processes.
Women have also been influential in processes that have led to improving women’s legal status. Women such as Margaret Dongo in Zimbabwe, Charity Ngilu and Wangari Maathai in Kenya, and Winnie Byanyima in Uganda emerged among the fiercest opponents of corruption and patronage politics in their respective countries This shows that women have played an important role in politics.
Factors which have enhanced women’s increased political participation
There is no single factor that can be accredited for the contemporary positive trends in women’s political participation.
Proliferation of women’s movement groups
The promulgation of women’s movement groups in Africa is one of the factors which have led to an increase in the number of women involved in politics.
These groups have been of much importance as they have lobbied for women’s political leadership. The groups have been fundamental as they have pushed for legislative and constitutional transformations.
Civic education for women in a range of spheres of life has been conducted as a result of the influence of the women’s movement groups. These include Action for Development(Uganda); National Women’s Lobby Group (Zambia); National Committee on the Status of Women (Kenya); Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) amongst others.
Their influence has been noted in transforming national constitutions in their respective countries. Consequently national constitutions in scores of African countries now give surety to the respect of human rights including equality and non-discrimination.
Women in many African countries have been able to run for public office in growing numbers and have reached an average of 20.4 per cent of seats in national assemblies. This demonstrates that the various groups have led to the new trend which has led to an increase in women’s political participation across Africa.
Multiparty Systems
More so, the democratization and shift towards multiparty systems in most African countries has also prompted the increase in women’s political participation. The Multi-party setting has pushed the various political parties to press for wide ranging agendas, which include women’s expanded political participation.
A crucial element of the shift towards multiparty system has been the formation of political parties by several women.The call for forming the political parties has been prompted by the deficiency of eagerness of existing male dominated political parties to set off women’s political representation.
In political parties formed by men the role of women has mainly been through the women’s wings. Evidence from various political parties has shown that the women’s wings are a relatively toothless branch which mainly concentrates on mobilising women as voters.
Educational opportunities and economic empowerment
The enhancement in educational opportunities for girls and women has influenced the participation of women in politics.
An improvement in women’s education in most African countries has led to the emergence of a larger group of proficient women who are in a position to compete with men for political power in various levels.
Education has empowered many women o join political parties and form political parties enabling them to participate in political activities. Evidence from research, has shown that education is one of the most imperative paths for encouraging women to speak out.
This has been made possible by the consequential acquisition of essential knowledge and improved communication skills useful for their political engagement.
Education is crucial for unlocking other opportunities for women which are necessary for political participation.
Education has been a foundation for women to access high-income jobs that provide the resources and contacts for political activity, and access to non-political associations such as charitable organizations or religious establishments that can be a recruitment ground for political activity
Civil society
Women’s political participation has also been enhanced by the growing drive from the civil society in fostering women’s participation in leadership.
The Civil society has also played a key role in advancing the participation of women in politics. This involves advocating for policies that will increase space for women’s involvement, encouraging women to vote and serve as monitors in elections; supporting them to stand as candidates and run a campaign.
In addition the civil society has been instrumental in creating awareness of women’s rights.
Through the civil society, practices that violate women’s rights have been challenged. As a result the activities of the civil society have assisted in building social acceptance of women’s political participation.
International agreements and conventions
An array of international agreements and conventions have been meaningful in encouraging women to take up political offices and influence policy making in different African countries.
These conventions have brought to the forefront the matter of gender equality and rights which include political participation. This has gone hand in hand with the provision of donor funds to support women in politics.
Also, the accessibility of donor funds, channeled through International and local Non Governmental Organisations, Religious bodies, Embassies, and International foundations has played a crucial role in stimulating the intensification of national level organizations that support women’s political activities.
The Quota Systems
The positive trends in women’s political participation in Africa have also been abetted by the increased number of countries that have introduced quota systems for women’s representation in parliament and in local government.
A landmark was accomplished in the September 2008 Rwandan elections when women won 44 of the 80 seats in parliament, the highest percentage of women elected to parliament in the world.
The quota system has generated commitments to women’s amplified representation by most African countries; this has been a critical factor in pressing forward women’s political representation.
African leaders have established quotas for women’s political representation at various levels of the government structures as a strategic tactic for improving women’s political participation.
The enhanced political representation and participation of women has been determined by the political willpower above any other factor.
Procedures such as party quotas and reserved seats, have accounted for the higher female representation in Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, and a number of other African countries.
The largest part of the higher figures for female representation world over has been an outcome of an assortment of quota systems.
Source: American International Journal of Contemporary Research
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