Sandra Pepera, an international development professional with a rich background, shared her insights with Just4WomenAfrica on the progress and ongoing challenges of including women in leadership roles across Africa. Pepera, who has been the director for Gender, Women, and Democracy at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) since 2014, brought a wealth of experience from her tenure at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), her time in British domestic politics, and her academic role at the University of Ghana.
Africa’s Progress in Women’s Leadership
When asked if Africa has made progress in including women in leadership roles, Pepera noted that achieving gender equality globally could take around 110 years, and gender parity among women Members of Parliament (MPs) worldwide might take about 70 years. Currently, women make up approximately 25% of parliamentarians in Africa. Africa has produced one elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and might see a second if Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania is elected in the next general elections.
However, Pepera emphasized that the issue goes beyond numerical representation; it’s about the impact women can have with their representation. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” she said, highlighting the importance of visible female leaders to inspire future generations. She illustrated this point with an example from Lebanon, where sanitary pads were excluded from a list of 300 essential goods that needed price control, whereas shaving sticks made the list. If women had been part of that decision-making process, sanitary pads likely would have been included.
The Importance of Women’s Representation
Pepera underscored the significance of women’s representation in political leadership, noting that women bring different perspectives to the table. She argued that without women in leadership, it’s challenging to encourage more women to step forward.
Barriers to Women’s Leadership
Despite women constituting more than 50% of Africa’s population, they struggle to attain leadership positions. Pepera highlighted three key aspects that the NDI focuses on to enhance women’s political participation:
- Training and Education: Women need training to understand politics, mechanisms, their entry points, and their rights. This foundational knowledge is crucial for navigating the political landscape effectively.
- Institutional Support: Political parties, as gatekeepers to power, must support women. Institutions like electoral systems, parliaments, and councils also play a critical role. Without institutional backing, women’s progress in politics is severely hindered.
- Socio-Cultural Barriers: Deeply entrenched social and cultural norms often dictate that women are not equal to men, limiting their participation and visibility in politics. Pepera pointed out that men occupy 75% of the political space, perpetuating the cycle of inequality. These deeply held norms are universal and very resilient.
Gender-Based Violence Online
Gender-based violence, particularly online, is a significant barrier to women’s visibility in politics. Pepera described gender-based violence as a longstanding pandemic that the world is ill-equipped to address adequately. She argued that this form of violence, primarily perpetrated by men, should be addressed by men. It is a human rights abuse that infringes on women’s political and civil rights and impacts the quality of democracy.
Optimism for the Future
Despite these challenges, Pepera expressed optimism for the future. She believes that as more women receive education, they will be inspired to enter politics, filling the need for good women leaders. She hopes that the right mechanisms and institutions will be in place to support them in their political journeys.
Conclusion
The path to gender equality in political leadership in Africa is fraught with challenges, from institutional barriers to deeply rooted cultural norms and gender-based violence. However, progress is being made, and with continued efforts to educate and empower women, along with supportive institutional changes, the future holds promise for more women in leadership roles. The journey may be long, but the impact of women’s representation in leadership is invaluable, bringing diverse perspectives and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Sandra Pepera’s comprehensive perspective underscores the complexity of achieving gender equality in political leadership but also highlights the potential for significant progress with concerted effort and commitment.