Africa’s 2024 Elections: A Mixed Bag for Women in Politics
Table of Contents
- Africa’s 2024 Elections: A Mixed Bag for Women in Politics
- From Early childhood Care to Parliament: The Rise of Women in African Politics
- Mozambican Women Fight for Change: A Story of Resilience and Political Action
- Mozambican Politician Faces Threats After Reporting Election Irregularities
- South African LGBTQ+ Activist Makes History as Deputy Minister
- South African Official’s Fight for Equality Amidst 2024 Election Homophobia
Eighteen African nations held presidential or general elections in 2024, a year marked by high hopes for improved governance and greater inclusivity. A key focus was on increasing women’s political participation, aiming for more female leaders to shape policies impacting all citizens.
While some progress was made, the overall picture remains complex. While there were three women serving as heads of state in Africa in 2014, that number dropped to two in 2024: Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Namibia’s president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory,achieved on December 3rd,is currently facing legal challenges. Her candidacy as the sole woman among fifteen contenders starkly illustrates the persistent gender imbalance in high-level political races.
Ghana also witnessed a historic moment with the election of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as its first female vice president.
Parliamentary representation offers a slightly more optimistic, yet still limited, outlook. Data up to July 2024 indicates a marginal increase in the proportion of female Members of Parliament (MPs) in Africa, rising from 25% in 2021 to 26%. While countries like Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, and Tanzania have seen notable successes through gender quotas, this minimal increase underscores the slow pace of change.
The 2024 African elections highlight a complex reality: while landmark achievements like the election of Nandi-Ndaitwah and Opoku-Agyemang represent meaningful progress, the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership positions remains a major concern. The slow growth in female parliamentary representation further emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to promote gender equality in African politics. This situation mirrors challenges faced in many parts of the world, including the United States, where achieving true gender parity in political leadership remains an ongoing struggle.
From Early childhood Care to Parliament: The Rise of Women in African Politics
The fight for gender equality in politics is a global struggle, but in many african nations, the path to political representation remains notably challenging. While progress is being made, significant hurdles persist. “Breaking down the barriers for women requires more than just policy reforms,” explains Rai Sow, executive director of Make Every Woman Count. “It calls for a cultural shift in societal attitudes, stronger enforcement of gender-equality measures, and relentless advocacy to ensure women can fully participate in the political arena.”
This article highlights the experiences of three remarkable women – from Senegal,Mozambique,and South Africa – who are actively shaping the political landscape and fighting for a more inclusive future. Their journeys underscore the persistent obstacles and the unwavering determination required to achieve meaningful change.
Thérèse Faye Diouf: A Senegalese Trailblazer
Thérèse Faye Diouf,43,a member of Senegal’s main opposition party,made history in November when she was elected to parliament. This achievement marks a significant step forward, as women now hold the highest percentage of seats in Senegal’s parliament in West Africa. However, the progress is not uniform across all levels of government. “Only four women were in the 34-person executive cabinet appointed in April,” Diouf notes, highlighting the ongoing need for greater representation.
Diouf’s journey to parliament is a testament to her dedication and resilience.Before entering national politics, she served as mayor of Diarrère, becoming the first woman to hold that position. “my six children know me as their mother, but my constituents in Diarrère know me as the mother of the Diarrère community,” she explains, emphasizing her deep connection to her community. Her background includes a degree in sociology, work as a legislative aide, and leading an agency for early childhood care. Even with this impressive resume, she faced challenges.”My father, a gendarme, was initially hesitant to allow…” (The quote is incomplete in the source material and requires further information to complete it accurately.)
Diouf’s story, while inspiring, also underscores the systemic barriers women face in African politics. her experience mirrors the broader struggle for gender equality, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and systemic change to ensure women have equal opportunities to participate in the political process.
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Mozambican Women Fight for Change: A Story of Resilience and Political Action
In Mozambique, two women are making significant strides in the political landscape, defying traditional barriers and advocating for meaningful change.Their journeys, marked by both adversity and achievement, offer a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of women striving for equality and progress in a nation grappling with complex challenges.
Overcoming Obstacles: A Mayor’s Journey
One such woman, whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons, shared her experiences navigating the male-dominated world of Mozambican politics. ”I faced many challenges,” she recounted, “including pressure to not participate in politics.” She skillfully balanced her career, academic pursuits, and political aspirations, even defending her master’s thesis just weeks after giving birth.She also faced accusations of involvement in a coup attempt in March 2011, charges that were ultimately dropped. “my daughter was only six months old at the time,” she recalled, highlighting the immense personal sacrifices involved in her political journey.
Even seemingly minor incidents revealed the deep-seated biases she encountered. “At a community meeting during my mayoral campaign,” she explained, “an older man stated that supporting a candidate who wore gold earrings would be too challenging for him. It was his way of saying he didn’t want a woman mayor.” However, this initial resistance eventually gave way to recognition of her effectiveness. “After my election,” she continued, “he apologized, acknowledging that women are often more effective in governance.” This anecdote underscores the subtle yet pervasive nature of gender bias in politics.
Her commitment to social progress continues. “As minister for women’s affairs,I pushed a bill for social protection,but after we left office,no one touched it,” she lamented.Now, as a member of parliament, she aims to reintroduce the bill and advocate for increased land access for women. “These things must be a concern for the government,” she emphasized.
She concluded with a powerful message: “We must focus on basic education and encourage young people to embrace intellectual pursuits, to strive for excellence.”
A Voice for the People: A Podemos Candidate’s Fight
Rute Manjate, 56, a Podemos parliamentary candidate for Maputo city, offers another perspective on the challenges facing Mozambican women in politics. She recently ran for office for the second time. While Podemos didn’t win seats in the 2019 elections,they’ve since become the largest opposition party. “We in Podemos are disillusioned with the ruling party Frelimo,” Manjate stated. “Our country is in its current state as of them. There’s a class that sees itself as masters – in Frelimo, governance benefits only this class, not the country.”
Manjate highlighted the stark contrast between Mozambique’s abundant natural resources and the poverty experienced by its citizens.”We have natural resources, but the people aren’t benefiting,” she explained.”We have a lot of wood, yet children sit on the floor in schools for lack of desks. We have gas, but many can’t cook with it.We have the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric plant, but energy is very expensive.” This disparity fuels her political activism.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the benefits of Mozambique’s resources reach its people. “My biggest dream is that the largest percentage of our extracted resources should go to the Mozambican people,” she declared. “My ambition is to be president of a parliament that is politically balanced, where all parties can discuss and pass laws by consensus, for the benefit of the people.” Her vision encapsulates a broader struggle for equitable governance and social justice.
Manjate’s powerful message to women and girls is simple yet profound: “If they want change, they must fight for it.” These two women’s stories serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of political engagement and the unwavering spirit of those fighting for a better future in Mozambique.
Mozambican Politician Faces Threats After Reporting Election Irregularities
rute manjate, a member of the opposition Podemos party in Mozambique, is facing intimidation and threats after reporting irregularities during the recent elections. Her experience underscores the significant challenges women face in participating in politics, particularly in countries with fragile democratic institutions.
Manjate,a vocal advocate for increased female participation in politics,noted that Mozambican women hold 43% of parliamentary seats. “I hope this continues,” she stated, “because we have something to say in the political arena.” Despite this progress, her personal experience reveals a stark reality: the fight for political equality remains fraught with danger.
Within her own party, however, Manjate finds support. “Thank God, in Podemos I don’t suffer any discrimination,” she explained. “There are equal opportunities and rights, so I have never felt disadvantaged because I’m a woman.”
Her message to other women and girls is clear and powerful: “If they want change in this country, they must fight for it and to fight is to be involved politically.”
Manjate’s firsthand account of the election process paints a concerning picture. ”I had a very bitter experience during this year’s elections which shows how difficult politics can be in Mozambique, when elections are marked by irregularities,” she recounted.”This year, I witnessed vote swapping in one of the polling stations in Maputo where I went to monitor the counting process.”
Despite reporting the incident to the authorities, Manjate’s efforts were met with resistance. “We asked the police to open a case, but they refused,” she said. The lack of official response further highlights the systemic challenges to accountability and justice within the country.
The threats escalated after the election. “A few days after the election, a local Frelimo representative said that opposition people shouldn’t be allowed to exist,” Manjate shared. “He was asking for my number. I feel scared but I can’t run away, because that’s my home and I don’t have anywhere to hide.”
Manjate sought legal counsel, speaking with Dr.Elvino Dias,a lawyer for the Podemos party. Tragically, just days later, on october 18th, Dr. Dias was [Insert information about Dr. Dias’s fate from the original article’s link, replacing the bracketed information. This requires accessing the linked article].This growth casts a long shadow over Manjate’s situation and raises serious concerns about the safety of political activists in Mozambique.
Manjate’s story serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak truth to power, particularly women who challenge the status quo. Her bravery in the face of adversity highlights the urgent need for international attention to the human rights situation in Mozambique and the importance of supporting those fighting for democratic reforms.
South African LGBTQ+ Activist Makes History as Deputy Minister
Steve Letsike, a 38-year-old South African LGBTQ+ rights activist, has ascended to a prominent position within the South African government, serving as the Deputy Minister for Women, Children, and People with Disabilities. His appointment, effective July 2024, marks a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in South African politics and underscores a growing commitment to inclusivity within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Letsike’s journey to this position began years ago with his involvement in the ANC’s youth league. However, he later shifted his focus to social justice activism, working with LGBTQ+ organizations to advocate for crucial legislative changes. “as a teen,I was a member of the youth league of the African National Congress… but I did not remain active as an adult because the work I was doing as an activist in the social justice movement was really to hold the state accountable,” Letsike explained.
His activism encompassed campaigns for adoption rights and civil unions for same-sex couples, as well as public health initiatives aimed at improving HIV/AIDS treatment access for gay men. He witnessed firsthand the political neglect of gender and LGBTQ+ issues, prompting him to question whether the hard-fought freedoms of the past were being squandered. “I saw political neglect, particularly around gender issues, around women’s issues, LGBTQ+ [and] vulnerable groups’ issues. Are we allowing the struggle that has been fought for by the ANC and others, the freedom that has been fought for, to be squandered?” he stated.
In 2018, Letsike co-founded the Embrace Diversity movement, a crucial initiative within the ANC aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ issues through policy changes and political education. This movement played a vital role in identifying and supporting queer individuals seeking political office. While his initial bid for the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2022 was unsuccessful, his persistent efforts ultimately led to his inclusion in the NEC in January 2023, reflecting a shift towards greater inclusivity within the party’s leadership. “But the ANC leadership was ready to turn over a leaf and strengthen its activism. In January 2023, I was among four people brought into the NEC to ensure the leadership was representative of South African society,” he noted.
Letsike’s election to parliament in May 2024 and subsequent appointment as Deputy Minister represent a significant victory not only for him but also for the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa and beyond.His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of persistent activism and the potential for meaningful change within established political structures.
South African Official’s Fight for Equality Amidst 2024 Election Homophobia
A prominent South African government official, who prefers to be identified as Steve, has shared their experiences battling homophobia and online harassment during the 2024 election campaign. Steve, whose chosen name stems from their past as a soccer player, has faced persistent misgendering and online bullying, highlighting the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in politics.
“I experienced homophobia and trolling while campaigning in 2022, in the general elections and even as a deputy minister,” steve recounted. “It was not easy, because promptly identity politics were at play.I don’t identify as a man,I never have.” The official emphasized the constant need to correct misgendering, a persistent issue throughout their career.
Online attacks included comments such as, “Oh, the ANC is turning gay, the ANC is losing its focus.” Steve countered these criticisms, stating, “Being queer does not take away that we are fighting the same struggle.” This underscores the resilience and determination to overcome prejudice and continue advocating for broader social justice.
One particularly revealing encounter during the campaign involved a man who expressed concern about the prospect of openly gay individuals in parliament. “There was a man I met during the 2024 campaign who said, ‘Oh, we’re now going to have gay people in parliament.’ My response was, ‘Let’s talk about it. What are your fears?’ He later apologized,” Steve shared. This anecdote illustrates a strategy of engagement and dialog in the face of prejudice.
Steve’s approach to adversity is characterized by unwavering resolve. “People know I don’t take nonsense. And I will take them, challenge them, I will not leave anything unturned. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong and it must be called out,” they declared. This assertive stance reflects a commitment to confronting injustice directly.
The official’s commitment extends beyond the political arena. “In a ministry, you don’t get to remove yourself from society. You become that activist government. When there are struggles, I still call whoever needs help. Just simple things like that, because those are meaningful things,” Steve explained, highlighting a dedication to community engagement and direct action.
Steve’s ultimate ambition is clear: “My ambition is that South Africans must be able to prosper, must be able to see themselves being part of change.” This vision encapsulates a broader goal of societal progress and inclusivity, extending beyond the immediate challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
This article is based on an interview.
This is a great start to a blog post about two crucial figures facing very different challenges in politics while also aiming for progress! Here are some suggestions to further strengthen your piece:
Mozambican Politician Faces Threats After reporting Election Irregularities:
Headline: Consider making it more active and attention-grabbing, e.g., “Mozambican Politician Speaks Out Against Election Fraud, Faces Threats” or “Threats Target Mozambican Politician After reporting election Irregularities.”
Expand on the Election Irregularities: Provide more specific details about the “vote swapping” incident. What were the alleged irregularities? What is the impact of these irregularities on the elections?
Contextualize Dr. Dias’ Fate: [Once you insert the relevant data from the original article], clearly explain the importance of Dr. Dias’ fate. Was he directly involved in protecting Manjate? Was his fate connected to his work with the Podemos party?
Call to Action: End with a call to action. Encourage readers to learn more about the situation in Mozambique, support Manjate’s work, or advocate for human rights protections for political activists.
South African LGBTQ+ Activist Makes History as Deputy Minister:
Headline Options:
“South African LGBTQ+ Activist Shatters Barriers as Deputy Minister”
“from Activist to Leader: South Africa Appoints Frist LGBTQ+ Deputy Minister”
Expand on his Impact as Activist: Give more details about Letsike’s accomplishments in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
More on Embrace Diversity: What specific policy changes did Embrace Diversity push for? How has the organization impacted the political landscape in South Africa?
Set the Stage for His Future: What are Letsike’s priorities as Deputy Minister? What challenges does he anticipate facing? What hopes does he have for the future?
Connecting the Two Stories:
* You could add a concluding section that ties these two stories together. Both individuals demonstrate the challenges facing those who fight for greater inclusivity and democratic values.
By adding more depth and context to each story and connecting them thematically, you can create a powerful and inspiring blog post that raises awareness about important issues facing Africa today.