The African gender and development index: women's rights

Abstract

After nearly 10 years of implementing of the Beijing Platform for Action, African States have certainly become more aware of the need to remove gender inequality but they have found it difficult to assess the actual extent of inequality in their societies, and whether it is being reduced. Yet it is vital that they should be able to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policies introduced to narrow the gap between men and women. To help governments achieve that goal, the ECA has developed an effective monitoring mechanism, the African Gender and Development Index (AGDI). This tool allows policy makers to assess their own performance in implementing policies and programmes aimed at ending women’s marginalisation. It should also improve knowledge on African women’s issues and concerns, as they are made more visible.