Despite several campaigns against gender inequality, women in Africa still battle discrimination. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, more than half of Africa’s population is female. Yet, they only generate 33 per cent of Africa’s collective GDP. There is no difference in politics, where African women make few contributions to policy-making. These statistics verified the 2019 Global Gender Summit report that proposes gender inequality as one of Africa’s greatest threats in the future.
To promote gender inclusion, the African Union adopted the ‘Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa’ (Maputo Protocol) in 2003. The protocol validates women’s rights to social and political equality with men. Also, it empowers women’s autonomy of choice in reproductive health. Since its adoption, only 42 African countries have ratified the protocol out of 55 members of the African Union. Africa should emphasise women’s active participation in political activities and protect their right to make reproductive health decisions before the protocol can fully effect….
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