The Role of Women in the Politics and Economy of Sub-Saharan Africa since Independence

Abstract

The male dominated political and economic structures constituted by colonialism culminated in the relegation of women to the background and since independence, African women have also been subjected to carefully systematised gender discrimination and violence. But despite this, educated women have started questioning the status quo thus competing for political powers with men. Also, apart from agriculture and trade, women entrepreneurs are beginning to storm the private sector of the African economy. It is against this backdrop that this review seeks to evaluate the contributions of women in African politics and economy. It contends that gender inequality on the continent is yet to be holistically rectified. For, despite the entrenchment and recognition of gender parity in the constitution and other legal frameworks as necessitated by the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for the bridging of the gender gap remarkably present in most nations of the world coupled with the Beijing Convention which advocated for 30% women representation in politics and ratified by most African nations, effective implementation has not been realized. The manifestation of this is women under representation in political offices, low access to jobs in the organized public sector and loans/credit facilities from the banks amongst others. Amongst other things, the work advocates attitudinal change and the upholding of women’s fundamental and constitutional rights across Africa to tap albeit effectively their contribution to the development of the continent.