Draft report to the CWD on recent trends in national mechanisms for gender equality in Africa

Abstract

This study presents a situation analysis of the status of national mechanisms in the 53 member States in Africa over the last five years. The national mechanisms have evolved significantly in many ways. This report reviews institutional mechanisms for gender equality and the empowerment of women in the Africa Region and aims to provide up-to-date information about national machineries and other mechanisms as a basis for discussions and recommendations in order to improve their effectiveness in policymaking, gender mainstreaming and strengthen their capacity for promoting gender equality. Based on a range of data derived from specific questionnaires as well as other relevant literature, the report provides an opportunity to re-examine some of the long-held beliefs about what makes for effective national mechanisms and presents new perspectives on national machinery and mechanisms for gender equality and the empowerment of women. In this report national mechanisms are defined as those bodies and institutions within different branches of the State (legislative, executive and judicial branches), as well as independent accountability and advisory bodies that together are recognized as ‘national mechanisms for gender equality’ by all stakeholders.