Africans’ support for women’s equality on the continent is widespread and growing, but the day-to-day reality for many women remains characterized by disadvantage and discrimination. And while most African governments get generally good marks for their performance in empowering women, the battle for equal rights and opportunities for women is far from won especially for women in North Africa.
One concern that remains is that women are less likely to be active citizens. Not only are they less likely to be registered to vote and to vote in an election than men; but they are also significantly less likely than men to report that they have contacted leaders and to engage in other forms of participation.
Furthermore, women are also more likely to fear becoming a victim of political intimidation or violence, more so than men in countries where fear of political intimidation and violence – among both men and women – are highest.
The findings, published today (27 March 2014) in the report "Support for African Women's Equality Rises: education, jobs & political participation still unequal" reveals that women remain at a marked disadvantage compared to men in their daily lives in spite of significant progress made by government and civil society.