Gender Parity: Bridging the Gap Between Aspiration and Reality

By Tabitha Marion

According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the average percentage of women in African parliaments is 23%. The report highlights that South Africa and Namibia have achieved 46% representation of women in parliament, while Rwanda leads with 64%. 

However, these figures are far from achieving gender parity. In contrast, fewer than 5% of parliamentary seats are held by women in countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and Sudan.

Despite these discouraging statistics, including instances of forced representation such as the creation of designated seats for women in Kenya, I firmly believe that gender parity is achievable.

In 1993, when Burundi elected its first female president, women’s representation in African politics stood at a mere 9.8%. By 2020, this number had increased to 24.7%. While this progress is noteworthy, it pales in comparison to the sheer number of women on the African continent, underscoring the need for more significant strides toward equality.

The challenges women face in African politics are undeniable. In a recent discussion with a group of male friends, I raised the issue of female representation in leadership. Their response was both shocking and disheartening. They argued that women are too frail to handle powerful positions like the presidency. 

Some claimed that if a woman achieved such a role, it was either because she compromised her values or the public was overly lenient. They cited religious justifications, stating that men should lead as prescribed in the Bible. These views were deeply upsetting but, unfortunately, not uncommon.

A BBC documentary on women leaders highlighted the struggles faced by female politicians in Kenya. Gloria Orwoba recounted being assaulted by male colleagues during party nominations. Other women shared similar stories of harassment. 

One aspirant described a man publicly stealing a kiss from her, only for the crowd to laugh at her humiliation. Women running for office face systemic obstacles and societal ridicule, with many being labeled as prostitutes for daring to enter the political arena.

Even trailblazing female leaders have not been spared from sexist scrutiny. Martha Karua, a seasoned politician, faced intrusive questions about her marital status when she announced her candidacy for president. Such questions are never directed at male candidates. 

A failed marriage is often solely attributed to the woman, with little to no scrutiny of the man. The insinuation that a woman incapable of "managing her marriage" cannot manage a nation’s affairs is both unfounded and deeply offensive.

African politics and electoral systems have long been structured to accommodate men. For women to break through these entrenched barriers, they must display extraordinary determination and resilience. Cultural norms continue to restrict women from ascending to leadership roles, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. Even when progress seems to be made, instances of sexism persist, reinforcing the notion that women are less capable leaders.

This bias is not confined to Africa. A man in a DW documentary on women’s leadership in Germany claimed that “men are more realistic” and thus better leaders than “emotional women.” Such discriminatory stereotypes undermine women and diminish their contributions. If we are serious about achieving gender equality, we must eliminate these harmful narratives and focus on dismantling structural barriers.

Between 1993 and 2024, approximately 15 women have served as presidents in African nations. At first glance, this figure may appear significant, but further examination reveals the limitations of their tenures. For instance, South Africa’s Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri served as president for just four days in 2005 while the sitting president was away. Others held office for brief periods before losing subsequent elections. This is not to suggest that women are power-hungry; rather, it highlights the uphill battle they face in securing and maintaining leadership roles.

Ultimately, the goal is not for women to dominate leadership but for equal representation and treatment across all facets of society. Achieving gender parity requires collective effort. While it’s true that the political sphere has historically been male-dominated, change cannot occur without the involvement of both men and women. 

We must challenge outdated gender norms that confine women to homemaking roles and prevent them from participating fully in national affairs. Structural barriers that silence women and place men in positions of unquestioned authority must be dismantled. To promote equality, policies and practices must be inclusive and fair to all genders.

As a woman, I dream of a future where my daughter and son are equally empowered to thrive and succeed. Gender parity is not just a lofty ideal—it is an achievable reality. But making it happen depends on all of us.