AUTHOR : RFLD’s RESEARCH RESEARCH
In recognition of women’s role in democracy, the member states of the African Union have adopted normative and institutional frameworks that require member states to strengthen women’s participation in democracy, governance and decision-making. These normative frameworks include the Youth Charter adopted in 2006, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) (2007), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), the Constitutive Act of the AU (2002), Agenda 2030, Agenda 2063 and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol.
The particular focus of all these normative frameworks is the Maputo Protocol.
All of these instruments engender rights, duties and freedoms that reinforce women’s meaningful participation in matters that concern their well-being, aspirations, democracy and governance. One of the main factors influencing peace and security and women’s rights on the African continent is human security. Human security must not only be ensured and maintained, but also sustained. Women make up over 55% of the African population, and play a key role in public and private spaces. They are the guardians of culture in every community.
Transformational regional integration requires that the processes of establishing inclusive and sustainable development be anchored in effective, efficient and accountable governance. Such democratic governance implies that citizens can become the drivers and owners of their own development. There is an urgent need to deepen shared identity, unity, integration, solidarity, self-confidence, collective autonomy and self-respect, all of which contribute to cohesion and lasting peace. Capable, responsive, responsible and democratic communities engender a culture of values and performance-based leadership and structures.
Such communities have the requisite legitimacy and authority, leaving less room for social upheaval and rebellion born of discontent, marginalization and exclusion. Governments should also strengthen constructive diversity management, through youth engagement and empowerment: specific language policies and innovative cultural best practices as tools for diversity management and inclusion.
Women and young people have the right to participation, freedom, protection, access, safety and the protection and rights of people with disabilities. Public authorities have a responsibility to create an environment conducive to youth development, taking into account the minimum needs of young people.
The areas in which we recommend interacting with women and young people are: entrepreneurship and financial autonomy, youth involvement in good governance and environmental protection, raising awareness of education and the culture of peace. Let’s not forget that the most common challenges for women and young people are: resource mobilization, instrumentalization of young people in conflicts, problems of youth mobilization.
In fact, cultural differences between African communities are minimal, as they are closely-knit societies that share much in common and intermarry, integrating many cultural values into the various tribal systems. Women, by virtue of their importance in the family, the productive sector and community roles, can have an enormous impact if they are used as a vehicle to further transmit and educate the population and immediate family members on the concept and ideals of proper democracy.
The new challenges currently facing us are: 1) taking appropriate measures to ensure women’s representation in decision-making bodies at all levels; 2) getting women more involved in political and activist organizations, building women’s political skills (political communication, governance, leadership); 3) mobilizing financial resources allocated to gender promotion. Once this trilateral axis is covered, it will be clearer that the promotion and inclusion of women will become a reality in Africa.
Although at a slow pace, there is momentum towards a transformative policy environment that embodies the key principles of international and regional instruments on gender equality and thus informs Africa’s political and development priorities. More specifically, the central role of women and the need to ensure their full and equal participation in all spheres are reflected in a number of instruments, both international and regional.
