Empowering Democracy: The Crucial Roles of African Women in Elections.
By Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda
Across Africa, women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the continent's democratic landscape. From casting their ballots to running for office, African women are reclaiming their space in the electoral process and driving positive change. In this article, we'll delve into the crucial roles African women are playing in elections and explore ways to further empower their participation.
The Power of the Female Vote
In many African countries, women make up a significant proportion of the electorate. According to the United Nations, women constitute approximately 50% of the population in most African countries ¹. This demographic reality presents a significant opportunity for women to shape electoral outcomes and influence policy decisions.
In recent years, African women have demonstrated their ability to mobilize and make their voices heard. For instance, in the 2019 Nigerian presidential election, women played a crucial role in mobilizing support for candidates and advocating for issues that affected them.
Women as Candidates and Leaders
While women's participation in elections as voters is crucial, their representation as candidates and leaders is equally important. Research has shown that when women are represented in leadership positions, they bring unique perspectives and priorities that benefit society as a whole.
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READ THIS: Empowering Women, Enhancing Democracy: Dr Gloria Shoda Launches Africa League Of Women Voters.
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In Africa, there are numerous examples of women who have broken down barriers and achieved success in politics. For instance, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia, and Sahle-Work Zewde, the President of Ethiopia, are just two examples of women who have shattered the glass ceiling and inspired a new generation of women leaders.
Overcoming Barriers to Women's Participation
Despite the progress made, women in Africa still face significant barriers to participation in elections. These barriers include:
Socio-cultural norms:
In many African societies, women are socialized to prioritize domestic and family responsibilities over public life.
Limited access to education and resources:
Women often have limited access to education, training, and resources, which can hinder their ability to participate in elections
Violence and intimidation:
Women may face violence, intimidation, and harassment when attempting to participate in elections
To overcome these barriers, it's essential to implement targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by women. These interventions may include:
Voter education and awareness programs:
Programs that educate women about their rights and responsibilities as voters can help increase their participation in elections. This actually is the reason for the formation of African League of Women Voters, ALWOV.
To give women voter education and create a lot of awareness on how they should exercise their civic responsibility in that regard. And for them to do it wisely so that they won't do things that will affect them and all of us who with our future generations negatively.
Leadership training and capacity building:
Training programs that equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in elections can help increase their representation as candidates and leaders.
Addressing violence and intimidation:
Efforts to address violence and intimidation against women in elections are critical to ensuring their safety and participation.
Conclusion
African women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the continent's democratic landscape. Their participation in elections as voters, candidates, and leaders is crucial for promoting gender equality, challenging patriarchal norms, and driving positive change.
As we look to the future, it's essential that we continue to empower African women's participation in elections. By addressing the barriers that hinder their participation and implementing targeted interventions that support their engagement, we can create a more inclusive and equitable democratic landscape that benefits all Africans.
Dr Gloria Laraba Shoda MFR, mni, is the President of the African Regional Council of Women and Founder of African League of Women Voters, ALWOV.
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