Gender stereotypes and prejudices in Gabon

Gender stereotypes and prejudices are beliefs, attitudes or behaviors that attribute specific characteristics or roles to women and men, based on their gender. They are often based on simplistic and inaccurate generalizations, and can have a negative impact on the lives of individuals and groups. In Gabon, sexist stereotypes and prejudices are still widespread. They affect all aspects of social life, from the family to society in general. Sexist stereotypes are preconceived beliefs or opinions about women and men

Among the most common sexist stereotypes in Gabon are the following:

Women are naturally more sensitive, emotional and intuitive than men.
Men are naturally more rational, logical and assertive than women.
Women are naturally better at housework and childcare.
Men are naturally better at professional tasks and leadership activities.

Gender stereotypes and prejudices are unfortunately present in many countries, including Gabon.

According to a 2018 study, 70% of Gabonese girls and women have already been victims of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, physical violence and forced marriage. Gender stereotypes are also very present in Gabonese society, with different expectations for girls and boys in terms of education, behavior and social roles. Women are often under-represented in positions of power and decision-making in Gabon, which can reinforce gender stereotypes and gender bias.
These stereotypes can have a negative impact on the lives of both women and men. They can limit women’s opportunities, confine them to traditional roles and contribute to gender-based violence. Gender stereotypes are preconceived beliefs or opinions about women and men. They can be positive or negative.

Among the most common sexist prejudices in Gabon are :

Women are less competent than men.
Women are less capable of making important decisions.
Women are less able to defend themselves.

The consequences of sexist stereotypes and prejudices in Gabon are manifold and affect women in various areas of life. These include:

Limiting women’s professional development** : Persistent sexist stereotypes and prejudices in Gabonese society limit women’s professional development, particularly in terms of leadership and access to positions of authority.
Prevalence of harassment in the workplace: Women are confronted with harassment in the workplace that is insufficiently regulated by law, and this can have harmful consequences for their mental health and well-being.
Gender-based violence: Gender-based violence is both a cause and a consequence of the discrimination suffered by women and girls of African descent. States must address violence that disproportionately affects women and girls of African descent.
Impact on educational and career choices: Counselors can perpetuate sexist stereotypes, which can have an impact on young women’s educational and career choices.

Negative and discriminatory image: Sexist and racist stereotypes give women of African descent a negative and discriminatory image, which can lead to inequality and exclusion.

To combat these consequences, it is important that states take concrete steps to combat sexist and racist stereotypes, in particular by taking measures to remove them from educational materials and mainstream media.
Here are a few solutions for combating sexist stereotypes and prejudice in Gabon:

Education is one of the pillars in the fight against gender inequality: It is important to educate children and young people in the values of equality and respect for diversity. This involves integrating gender equality education into school curricula, as well as awareness-raising campaigns aimed at the general public.
Law can also play an important role in combating gender stereotypes and prejudice: It is important to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and men, particularly in the world of work, politics and civil society.
Civil society can also help to combat gender stereotypes and prejudices: Non-governmental organizations, associations and women’s collectives can carry out awareness-raising and advocacy actions to promote equality between women and men.
Some concrete measures that could be implemented in Gabon:
Integrate gender equality education into school curricula, at all levels of education. This could involve the study of women’s history, gender issues and sexism, as well as the promotion of gender equality in textbooks and teaching activities.
Set up awareness-raising campaigns aimed at the general public, particularly via the media and social networks. These campaigns could raise awareness of sexist stereotypes and prejudices, and the negative consequences they can have on the lives of women and men.
Strengthen legal protection for women against sexist discrimination and violence. This could involve adopting new laws or amending existing ones, as well as improving the implementation of existing legislation.
Encourage women’s participation in public life. This could involve promoting women’s representation in political institutions, business and civil society.

Réseau des Femmes leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is a non-governmental organization working to promote gender equality and empower women. RFLD focus areas are linked to overcome gender stereotypes and prejudices, in particular through the following actions:

Awareness-raising and advocacy: RFLD runs awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns to deconstruct gender stereotypes and prejudices. These campaigns are aimed at a variety of audiences, including young people, professionals and political decision-makers.
Gender equality education: RFLD works to integrate gender equality education into school and training programs. This involves training teachers and trainers, as well as producing educational resources on gender equality.
Support for women entrepreneurs: RFLD supports women entrepreneurs who are confronted with gender stereotypes and prejudices. This involves providing training, advice and funding.

Gender stereotypes and prejudices are major obstacles to gender equality in Gabon. They contribute to discrimination and gender-based violence, which have a negative impact on the lives of women and girls. It is important to combat these stereotypes and prejudices through educational, legal and social action. Gender equality education is essential to raise young people’s awareness of the values of equality and respect for diversity. The law must guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women and men. Finally, civil society can play an important role in raising awareness and lobbying for gender equality.