Regardless of race, colour or creed the female gender has the natural ability to create life. In Africa women unarguably have the strength to support their immediate family and communities at large. In addition to child care and other household responsibilities, countless research has shown that African women are responsible for an estimated 70% of crop production, 50% of animal husbandry, 60% of marketing and nearly 100% of food-processing in most parts of Africa.
These statistics put women at the focal point for growth in all ramifications of African society hence they are the catalytic that could realise the vast transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development in the continent.
In spite of the contributions of women to socio-economic growth and development in Africa, women are often faced with persistent discrimination in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. This is due to neglect of constitutional provisions protecting women and investing in women’s education and health. The role of the African Woman in the socio-economic growth of the African continent and beyond cannot be overemphasised considering her resilience, but the traditional gender roles are holding the continent’s growth and development back.
It is good to note that the international community has continually emphasised the role of industrialisation for women’s empowerment, especially in Africa. It is in line with this that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period 2016-2025 as the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III).
Gender equality and women empowerment are key pillars of socio-economic growth in Africa. The need for training, development, coaching and mentoring to uplift women cannot no longer be ignored.
This brings to mind the million dollar question! How can Africa’s position at the top of the international development agenda be translated into actions that advance women’s social and economic inclusion?
The population of Africa is an estimated 1.2 billion (and counting) with women constituting a significant percentage which provides for them a shield which they could wield if their potential is properly harnessed.
African women in the 54 sovereign states of Africa are faced with numerous challenges which include – but which are not limited to – the following:
• A general lack of education and other skills that will enable them to key effectively into available economic opportunities in their societies
• Weak protection against gender inequality
• Constrained cultural models restricting women to child bearing and housekeeping including the phenomena of “son’s preference” and so on which has made them lag behind in life – socially, economically, politically and intellectually.
Building partnerships for the socio-economic growth of women would inescapably require ameliorating the numerous challenges confronting women through strict implementations of commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment by government and other players.
Instruments of oppression such as religion and tradition need to be checkmated to curb the menace of assault, oppression, discrimination and under-representation of women in the scheme of things.
There is also the need to eradicate corruption, strengthen legislation and take other measures to empower women because the prevalence of corruption poses a significant threat to the implementation of conceived plans and actions designed to improve the lot of women.
Therefore, institutions and organizations responsible for women’s affairs will have to create synergies with relevant stake-holders to develop and implement strategies, programs and plans of action aimed at encouraging governments to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women, and provide equal opportunities in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Governments at all levels must enforce legislation that empowers women as well as developing newer modalities and measures that advance women’s interests.
The media must disseminate information sensitising society about the value of women and the numerous benefits of empowering them for societal growth and progress. Allowing women to key into present and future economic opportunities is essential.
Political organisations must adapt their manifestos to provide wider access to, and participation of, women in political activities and be seen to do so.
The success of these partnerships will no doubt create a snowballing effect that will throw the problems and challenges of African women into bolder relief thereby ensuring their future contribution to the socio-economic growth of Africa.
The very rich history of the significant role of the African woman both in society and in the home throughout Africa’s evolution will take centre stage in world history as we build on her strength, knowledge and wisdom. This will be the catalyst for stimulating socio-economic growth, kicking poverty out of the continent and accomplishing the priority of meeting the SDGs.
The African Woman is the future of the world!
By Mary Moore