The journey towards increasing women’s political leadership in Africa has been shaped by historical milestones and global commitments to gender equality.
Across the African continent, nations have embraced international frameworks such as the 1995 Beijing Declaration and the 2014 Malabo Declaration. These agreements have catalysed legal reforms, enabling women to play more prominent roles in governance.
According to UN Women, women’s representation in national parliaments in sub-Saharan Africa rose from 9.8% in 1995 to over 25% by 2020, with some countries exceeding 30–50%. Rwanda leads the world, with women holding 63.75% of its parliamentary seats. These figures reflect the impact of policies inspired by the Beijing and Malabo declarations, alongside national legislation.
A Historical Overview
The struggle for women’s political inclusion dates back to the post-independence era of the mid-20th century, when most African nations gained sovereignty. Initially, women were largely relegated to minor political roles, mirroring global trends.
However, the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marked a turning point. The Fourth World Conference on Women outlined clear strategies for nations to tackle gender disparities and promote women’s participation in decision-making at all levels.
The declaration called for the removal of barriers hindering women’s progress and urged countries to implement measures ensuring women’s participation in governance. This initiative raised global awareness of gender inequality, and many African nations adopted its framework to increase female representation in politics.
Legal Empowerment: From Beijing to Malabo
Building on the Beijing Declaration, African countries initiated regional efforts to politically empower women. The 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation, while focused on agriculture, highlighted the crucial role of women in development and called for gender-sensitive policies, including in governance.
At a national level, countries like Rwanda have implemented legal mechanisms to empower women. Following the Rwandan genocide, constitutional reforms led to women holding the highest proportion of parliamentary seats globally, at 63.75%. Similarly, nations like Senegal, South Africa, and Namibia have introduced quotas to ensure women occupy a significant share of political offices.
Women’s Influence in African Leadership
Today, African women increasingly occupy key political positions and influence policy decisions. Progress is visible not only in parliaments but also in presidencies and key ministerial roles. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female head of state in Liberia, and Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first female president, have paved the way for other women leaders.
Sirleaf’s leadership was instrumental in rebuilding Liberia after its civil war, guiding post-conflict recovery, restoring the economy, and managing the Ebola crisis in 2014. Her administration’s reforms in healthcare, education, and governance demonstrated the transformative potential of female leadership. Sirleaf’s efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, underscoring the growing influence of women in African politics.
Another notable figure is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, who played a pivotal role in stabilising the Nigerian economy. Her negotiations led to the historic $30 billion debt relief from the Paris Club, creating fiscal space for economic reform. As Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Okonjo-Iweala continues to shape global economic policies, illustrating how African women are influencing not just their nations but the world.
In Malawi, Joyce Banda assumed the presidency in 2012 after the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Banda’s leadership was marked by critical economic reforms, including currency devaluation to unlock international financial aid, and policies supporting women’s rights and female entrepreneurs. Though her tenure was brief, Banda made significant strides in addressing economic challenges and advancing gender equality in governance.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, a distinguished scientist and President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018, brought a unique focus on science and technology, especially for women. Her advocacy for STEM education and climate action set a new standard for integrating scientific expertise into political leadership, highlighting the importance of female leadership in tackling global issues like climate change and sustainable development.
Countries like Uganda, one of the first to adopt affirmative action policies, now boast strong female parliamentary representation. Kenya and Nigeria are also gradually enhancing women’s political participation, with numerous women holding ministerial and parliamentary positions.
Implementation and the Road Ahead
The progress achieved is largely due to the enforcement of gender quotas and affirmative action policies, enshrined in many African constitutions and electoral laws.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063, alongside continued commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), further reinforces this trajectory.
However, challenges remain. Despite legal frameworks, cultural and societal barriers often hinder women’s full engagement in political leadership. In many regions, women still face significant obstacles such as limited access to education, economic resources, and political networks.
To maintain momentum, African governments must continue to enforce these policies and foster more inclusive political environments. The future looks promising, with ongoing efforts to improve political education for women, encourage female candidacies, and dismantle structural barriers to women’s leadership.
As more African nations adhere to international frameworks, women are increasingly becoming key players in political leadership across the continent.
The journey from Beijing in 1995 to the current political landscape reflects steady progress, but there is still much to be done to achieve full gender parity. African leaders and civil society must work together to ensure that existing policies are not only maintained but expanded, creating a more inclusive political environment for future generations.
While the progress is undeniable, sustained effort will be essential to ensure women have the space and resources to lead Africa towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
