GENDER EQUALITY CONTINUES TO GAIN POPULARITY IN WEST AFRICA
We are at a point where most people agree that gender equality is critical to the social and economic development in West Africa, thanks to the vigorous determination of many Non Governmental Organizations, the willingness of the various governments, the supports from the international bodies and the various corporate and individual supports in the grassroots. Even though the progress is not the same across the region, it at least signifies that women`s right is acknowledged and the role they play in social and economic development is also acknowledged.
Several countries in West Africa have made significant progress in putting laws and policies that promotes gender equality in place. In Nigeria for example, the National Gender Policy’s aim is to eliminate gender discrimination and promote women’s right in all sectors. Ghana also introduced the affirmative action bill which mandates a minimum of 40% representation in public office. The bill has been drafted but still awaiting passage into law. Senegal has also been proactive in the gender equality realisation with its parity law which requires equal representation for both men and women in all elected positions. These legislative measures gives solid foundation to the gender equality cause and equally critical in the advancement of the cause.
Another vital component of gender equality is education and economic empowerment. In countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia, significant efforts have been made towards the enrolment and retention of the girl child in schools. Programs such as Girls Education Challenge (GEC) and Girls Access to Education (GATE) are very instrumental in creating better opportunities to education for marginalised girls, thereby enhancing their opportunities for social and economic participation.
Economic empowerment also has good traction across the region. Several women empowerment initiatives are doing well in providing women with entrepreneurship skills and financial resources. These initiatives help women to achieve financial independence and contribute to the countries economy at large.
The implementation of comprehensive health program focused on women across the region shows the improvement and dedication to the well being of women. For example Organisations like United Nation Fund for Population Activities supports reproductive health program for women and this has led to better health outcomes for women.
All of these is not to say there are not still challenges regarding gender equality in the region. Cultural and societal norm still hinders the full realization of the gender equality as gender based violent, early child marriages, unequal representation is still prevalent in many places.
However, it is important to continue to address these challenges through consistent effort by the different communities and stakeholders in the region. While significant progress has been made, continuous efforts are necessary to completely overcome the issue of gender equality. With these continuous efforts, West Africa will definitely have a more inclusive and equitable society.
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