By Lilian Bruce, Gender and CSO Advisor, ACEPA
Across Africa, the movement to empower women in politics and public life is gaining renewed momentum. While the push for gender equality began decades ago – in Ghana, for example, with pioneers like Madam Evelyn Amarteifio and the founding of the National Federation of Gold Coast Women – the journey toward parity is still unfolding.
Today, several African countries are leading the way through innovative legal frameworks, quota systems, and electoral reforms that have significantly increased women’s representation in decision-making. Though challenges remain, women across the continent are breaking new ground and paving the way for future generations.
This blog explores the successes and ongoing struggles of select African nations in boosting women’s parliamentary participation. It also draws from earlier ACEPA publications, including “Parliament Without Parity: Is Ghana Failing its Women?” and “The Road to Parity: What Ghana and Others Can Learn from Africa’s Gender Reform Leaders.”
The Rise of Women in African Parliaments
Countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia have emerged as continental leaders in women’s political representation. Their progress is not just measured in numbers, but in the tangible influence women exert on legislation and policy.
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Women in Parliament report (2021), Rwanda tops the global rankings, with women holding 63.8% of parliamentary seats. This achievement is rooted in bold constitutional reforms adopted in 2003, which mandated a 30% minimum quota for women in all elected offices. In Rwanda’s unique model, women are also elected via special electoral colleges drawn from local women’s councils and district bodies.
In addition, Rwanda has implemented:
- Proportional representation voting
- Equal pay legislation
- Stronger laws against gender-based violence
- Institutional innovations such as the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and dedicated women’s parliamentary forums
These comprehensive reforms have inspired countries across the continent. Namibia, South Africa, Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Chad, and Uganda have all adopted similar quotas and electoral policies, resulting in women occupying between 35% and 45% of parliamentary seats in some chambers.
Senegal has also made notable strides. Its 2012 parity law requires political parties to alternate men and women on electoral lists. As of 2024, women hold 41.2% of seats in the National Assembly.
Other nations such as Sierra Leone, Mali, Benin, Togo, and Cape Verde have recorded steady, if slower, gains – often driven by political will and supportive legal reforms.
Beyond Quotas: Addressing Persistent Barriers
While gender quotas have proven effective in opening doors, they are not a panacea. Achieving true gender equality in politics requires tackling deeper, structural challenges:
- Weak enforcement of gender equality laws and affirmative action commitments
- Limited access to campaign financing for women candidates
- Gaps in leadership training and capacity development
- Cultural norms and biases that undervalue women in leadership
- Gender-based violence, including online harassment and threats
- Lack of institutional support for balancing public service and family responsibilities
Ghana’s Slow but Steady Path
As explored in earlier ACEPA blogs, Ghana has made gradual progress, but it still trails many of its regional peers. The passage of the 2024 Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act marked a significant milestone, but implementation has been sluggish.
Currently, Ghana has 41 female MPs out of 275 – just 14.2%. While this is the highest number in the country’s history, it falls short of both the African average and the country’s own potential for inclusive leadership.
Sustaining the Momentum
To accelerate progress and create a more inclusive political landscape, governments, political parties, and civil society must act in concert. Key recommendations include:
- Increase budget allocations for women’s empowerment, training, and leadership development
- Encourage political parties to adopt internal gender quotas and prioritize women candidates in competitive constituencies
- Enact and enforce electoral reforms, with adequate resources for monitoring and compliance
- Invest in mentorship and capacity-building programmes for aspiring women leaders
- Launch public education campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote women’s leadership
- Support platforms for networking, cross-party dialogue, and solidarity among women in politics
The Way Forward
Africa stands at a crucial juncture. By learning from gender reform leaders and adapting proven strategies to national contexts, countries like Ghana can unlock the full potential of their female citizens.
But legal frameworks alone are not enough. Real progress will come from translating policy into action – through consistent advocacy, political will, and a shift in societal attitudes.
Only then will African women not just be present in public life – but powerful, heard, and leading with equal voice and impact.
Read our blog on Parliament Without Parity: Is Ghana Failing its Women?