Women’s Presidency in Africa: Enablers of the Uprising Voices

Abstract

A significant increase in female leaders at the national level occurred between the 1990s and 2000s, and Africa has not been left behind in embracing women leaders in national politics. Although women’s presidencies have been uncommon globally, around ten African women have served as presidents either temporarily or through election systems. Their leadership has set the groundwork for subsequent female leadership in the continent, even though men dominate African politics. Based on secondary desk research, this paper acknowledges that women’s presidency and involvement in African national politics is relatively new, and despite the persistent structural barriers that have been documented, which obstruct their involvement in politics, women’s achievements so far cannot be ignored. Therefore, this paper maps the enablers of this positive shift from the past norm, with women serving in national positions, including the presidency. These enablers include the electoral systems, temporal special measures (TSM), political party nominations -based on gender balance, education, and civil society organizations’ empowerment efforts. Further, the paper concludes by urging African states that have not yet established frameworks that facilitate these enablers to do so and enforce them. Also, the paper recognizes that promoting women’s participation in national politics requires a nation’s political will.

Keywords: electoral systems, female leadership, gender parity, political parties, national politics, quotas

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/74-01

Publication date: January 30^th 2025