Gender Equality in Africa Has Been Set Back a Generation
Feb 28, 2024
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Experts Zineb Sqalli and Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye discuss setbacks in gender equality in Africa due to economic challenges and the pandemic, highlighting domestic violence and traditional gender roles as barriers. They stress the importance of creating inclusive work environments in both public and private sectors to boost Africa's GDP by $300 billion a year.
Challenges like domestic violence and unsafe public spaces hinder women's progress in Africa.
Changing the narrative around women's roles is crucial for creating inclusive work environments and boosting Africa's GDP.
Deep dives
Challenges in Women's Economic Participation in Africa
Women's economic participation in Africa faces challenges due to insufficient access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. The narrative surrounding the role of women in society plays a crucial role in shaping their economic empowerment. Despite historical investments in education and healthcare, economic crises and the impact of events like the pandemic have slowed progress, leading to a decline in women's economic participation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Regional Disparities in Gender Equality in Africa
Regional disparities exist in gender equality within Africa, with countries like Rwanda and Namibia ranking high in gender equality while others, like Nigeria and Morocco, lag behind. The varied narratives around women's roles, such as emphasizing motherhood over economic participation, contribute to these disparities. In some regions, women face challenges like workplace harassment and legal discrimination, impacting their independence and opportunities for growth.
The Economic and Social Importance of Advancing Women in Africa
Advancing women in Africa is not only a social imperative but also an economic strategy with the potential to boost Africa's GDP by $300 billion by 2025. Women play a critical role in community health, education, and driving sustainable societal progress. Gender parity is essential for unlocking diverse talent and creating inclusive environments that drive innovation and economic growth. Both the private sector and government have crucial roles to play in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment to achieve sustainable development and competitive advantage.
From 2010 to 2016, Africa was closing the gender gap faster than any region in the world. Challenges such as plunging commodity prices and the pandemic have set that progress back a generation. BCG’s Zineb Sqalli and Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye explain that domestic violence as well as unsafe public places are barriers in southern Africa. Traditional roles of women in families stand in the way of progress everywhere. Both public and private sectors must change the narrative to create inclusive work environments. Besides being the right thing to do, gender equity could boost Africa’s GDP by $300 billion a year.
Learn More:
Reframing the Narrative on Women’s Roles in African Societies: on.bcg.com/3UQd3Hx