Increasing the number of women in sub-Saharan labour markets will not only help eliminate poverty and boost the well-being of the continent’s people but it will also prevent the region from losing an average of US$95 billion annually (about 6% of Africa’s GDP).

A study by the UN, which examined the social and economic factors hindering women’s participation and unequal distribution of resources, power and wealth, shows that countries should adopt legal reforms to promote gender equality and empower women to ensure they freely own assets and manage resources.

According to an AFKInsider report, Rwanda has the highest representation of women in political and other national leadership platforms in Africa: 64% of parliamentarians, 40% in cabinet and 38% of senators. Meanwhile, since 2010, a law passed in Kenya ensures at least one-third of elective posts are occupied by women.

30 August 2016
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