African Centre for Gender (ACG) : fact Sheet 1 on Women in decision-making spheres in Africa November 2018

Abstract

Ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making is one of the targets of the agenda 2030 sustainable development goals. In addition to its intrinsic value, women’s participation is essential to the formulation of effective policies that respond to the differential needs of men and women. While Africa has made significant strides on women’s participation in decision-making spheres, surpassing Asia and the Pacific and the Middle East, the continental achievements hide national and sub regional variations. This Fact Sheet provides a comparative perspective on the status of women’s representation in national parliaments.