Women\’s empowerment is a process through which a woman is transformed from a position in which she has limited power fueled by barriers related to inequalities between men and women, to a position in which she has unlimited power the same power as men. On the other hand, according to UN Women, the economic empowerment of women includes their ability to participate equitably in existing markets; their ability to access and manage productive capital, access to decent jobs, control over their own time, lives and bodies; and increased voice, agency and active involvement in economic decision-making at all levels, from the household to an international institution.

Women still encounter obstacles relating to strengthening their economic status and as entrepreneurs. This includes discrimination in education, training, employment, access to financial resources, the right to own or inherit the land, and lower wages. Women have suffered from unjust social heritage fueled by patriarchy in addition to discriminatory practices both in terms of gender equality, in the market, and the economic development sector. They are also subjected to harmful traditional practices such as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which impedes their ability to exploit their full potential.

However, reducing social inequalities benefits the whole of society, not just women.

The observation is very different; partial consideration is given to the weight of the contribution and, in particular, the active role of women in economic growth. It is not that they were not economically significant; however, it is only that women \’s efforts were mostly unable to demand or formally account for the profits of their labour. As an example, the significant influence that grassroots women have on building resilience in the field of climate change is evident. Also, in their society, rural women are pioneers in agriculture, food security and nutrition.

No statistical data documents the contribution of women to economic growth.  Yet, these women are more active in the informal economy sector to support their household, children, their husbands and the community. This still reveals a form of gender inequality that needs to be addressed. There is a need to recognize unpaid care work.

Economic development can only be inclusive if all categories of the population (men, women, youth, persons living with disabilities, refugees), regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, age or status or religion, contribute to the country\’s economic growth. In short, it is based on equal opportunities and the non-discriminatory participation of all sections of society.

Promoting equality between men and women in African societies must be the keystone to achieve real inclusive economic development, to ensure no one is left behind and that no group is disadvantaged in the race for sustainable development.  Also, it is essential to highlight that the economic empowerment of women has emerged equally as an important and sustainable aspect of accelerating the development process in developing countries.

The solution to this problem comes down to correcting the inequalities by offering access to quality education and vocational training opportunities to women and young girls, which will undoubtedly reduce the illiteracy rate and reduce the rate of economic dependence to men. Also, allowing women to participate actively in the decision-making process on economic issues and enable women to participate in the formulation of economic development policies, which will undoubtedly create a sustainable impact on women’s economic empowerment.

Likewise, it is essential to provide small grants or micro-credit to women living in rural areas so that they can develop small income-generating activities and support their households. Educating girls increases their income potential and reduces poverty in their communities. These benefits are passed on from generation to generation because girls who have received a good education have healthier, fewer, and more educated children. This will contribute positively to the economic development of the country.

We cannot achieve sustainable development without input from all segments of society. Economic growth cannot be inclusive and sustainable if each party does not play its part legally.

Women\’s empowerment is a process through which a woman is transformed from a position in which she has limited power fueled by barriers related to inequalities between men and women, to a position in which she has unlimited power the same power as men. On the other hand, according to UN Women, the economic empowerment of women includes their ability to participate equitably in existing markets; their ability to access and manage productive capital, access to decent jobs, control over their own time, lives and bodies; and increased voice, agency and active involvement in economic decision-making at all levels, from the household to an international institution.

Women still encounter obstacles relating to strengthening their economic status and as entrepreneurs. This includes discrimination in education, training, employment, access to financial resources, the right to own or inherit the land, and lower wages. Women have suffered from unjust social heritage fueled by patriarchy in addition to discriminatory practices both in terms of gender equality, in the market, and the economic development sector. They are also subjected to harmful traditional practices such as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which impedes their ability to exploit their full potential.

However, reducing social inequalities benefits the whole of society, not just women.

The observation is very different; partial consideration is given to the weight of the contribution and, in particular, the active role of women in economic growth. It is not that they were not economically significant; however, it is only that women \’s efforts were mostly unable to demand or formally account for the profits of their labour. As an example, the significant influence that grassroots women have on building resilience in the field of climate change is evident. Also, in their society, rural women are pioneers in agriculture, food security and nutrition.

No statistical data documents the contribution of women to economic growth.  Yet, these women are more active in the informal economy sector to support their household, children, their husbands and the community. This still reveals a form of gender inequality that needs to be addressed. There is a need to recognize unpaid care work.

Economic development can only be inclusive if all categories of the population (men, women, youth, persons living with disabilities, refugees), regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, age or status or religion, contribute to the country\’s economic growth. In short, it is based on equal opportunities and the non-discriminatory participation of all sections of society.

Promoting equality between men and women in African societies must be the keystone to achieve real inclusive economic development, to ensure no one is left behind and that no group is disadvantaged in the race for sustainable development.  Also, it is essential to highlight that the economic empowerment of women has emerged equally as an important and sustainable aspect of accelerating the development process in developing countries.

The solution to this problem comes down to correcting the inequalities by offering access to quality education and vocational training opportunities to women and young girls, which will undoubtedly reduce the illiteracy rate and reduce the rate of economic dependence to men. Also, allowing women to participate actively in the decision-making process on economic issues and enable women to participate in the formulation of economic development policies, which will undoubtedly create a sustainable impact on women’s economic empowerment.

Likewise, it is essential to provide small grants or micro-credit to women living in rural areas so that they can develop small income-generating activities and support their households. Educating girls increases their income potential and reduces poverty in their communities. These benefits are passed on from generation to generation because girls who have received a good education have healthier, fewer, and more educated children. This will contribute positively to the economic development of the country.

We cannot achieve sustainable development without input from all segments of society. Economic growth cannot be inclusive and sustainable if each party does not play its part legally.

Indeed, our society is composed of men, women and children. The inequalities of opportunity between men and women in our society remain visible because women are underrepresented in decision-making bodies, and their low rate of participation in politics stands out in our societies.

Article 29 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples\’ Rights states that “States Parties recognize the vital role of women in promoting and strengthening Democracy”. Let us recognize that the real citizen is one who participates in the management of the public affairs of his/her community and the election of his/her rulers.

The underrepresentation of women in decision-making institutions and bodies is becoming difficult to reform because they are still not associated with thinking and shaping policies. Inequalities persist, and the battle on equity and parity is still not won.

We can achieve gender equality in the management of the nation’s affairs when initiatives and public policies take into account the needs of women in the same way as men. Women are the most discriminated against in the employment sector. There need to be adequate measures to strengthen equality between women and men.

The equal participation and representation of women and men in decision-making processes are essential and very important to prioritize women\’s needs in government agendas and roadmaps and similarly, for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘’Woman is the engine of all development; hence her involvement in politics and the decision-making process is essential for successful democratic consolidation’’.

BOKOSSA Eude Kaltani

The challenges that hinder the participation and political representation of women often stem from the educational level, economic power, stereotypes, Social, cultural and religious norms \’\’which assign unequal roles to men and women\’\’, commitment of women, the lack of appropriation by women of the public space. But also the lack of training in female leadership. It does not imply that there are no competent women who can occupy positions of responsibility.

We can overcome some of these challenges if the leaders of political parties play a role in supporting female activists. This political party should serve as a means to contribute to effective equality between men and women in all areas of our society.

Their roles should not only be limited to the organization of the General Assemblies of the party but also ensure the training of their activists in the management of public affairs, appoint the women in their political party to the position of responsibility within the party they lead and instil in them the desire to stand as a candidate for elective positions. Women should no longer be passive citizens, but they should play their roles in rooting and consolidating the democratic process in their country.            

 To change the narrative, it takes a relentless commitment on the part of men sensitive to the question of gender as well as women by breaking the glass ceiling that prevents the full participation of women. It is time that women can trust each other, support each other in political participation and decision-making processes so that they are no longer instruments for the pay of political parties as the electoral deadlines approach.

In the 21st Century, we must consider gender equality and equity as the first ethical and political conditions which must lead to the social and economic progress of a Nation, in short, lead to inclusive and sustainable development. In this way, we can reach Goal 5 of the SDGs \”Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls\”. And the Aspiration 6 of the Africa Union Agenda 2063 ‘’An Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children’’.

 A special mention to the African states which are among the 20 in the world with most women in parliament. Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Senegal, Mozambique and Ethiopia.

The first COVID-19 case started early February 2020 in Egypt and spread to the African continent, accentuating the weight of the difficulties that the education of the girl child was already undergoing. COVID-19 has led to the closure of schools, the institution that is tasked with the burden on impacting education on children, which undoubtedly rhymes with the inflation of early school dropouts for young girls. The reasons for these abandonments are multiple and multifaceted. In traditional families, schools have acted as a safe space for the girl child to dodge challenges such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage. With many African countries implementing the School Food Program, schools have also the played the role of ensuring food security of the students, which is almost impossible to achieve now as many African countries have not been able to roll-out any feeding programs during this period.

The introduction of online classes by individual states is quite a great move. It is a fact that we have to consider that African countries are not better placed to implement such initiatives. Before the access to the online classes, one needs access to stable internet and electricity. But the reality is, we have countries such as Malawi, that experience blackout for even three days, talk less of stable internet. COVID-19 has hit hard, bringing the realization that it is not enough to propose solutions, and it is also necessary to put in it the adequate means to support the effectiveness of the proposals.

With the gap of online classes, parents/guardians are tasked with ensuring that the girl child is always abreast with her education by regular monitoring of activities that they engage in so that the end of this pandemic cannot rhyme with early and forced marriages, early pregnancies, the lowering of the level of education and the total dropout of the girl child.

Is it time to burden the girl child with housework or charge her with income-generating activities, preventing her from finding time to devote herself to her studies? Education and nurturing of the girl child should not be the sole prerogative of the teacher. This noble responsibility, however great, lies with the parents/guardians, the community, religious institutions and the media. This COVID-19 period should not be the time to discourage the girl child from taking an interest in her studies or their talents. Parents/Guardians must play their role, which is to ensure that the girl can always keep this joy and enthusiasm she had of school attendance and completion after this COVID-19 crisis.

This period of a pandemic must not, in any case, slow down or even constitute obstacles for keeping the girl in school. Because investing in the education of the girl child is laying the solid foundations for prosperous humanity and just and equitable society.

Let us give young girls and boys equal educational opportunities. No sustainable development can be achieved without an educated woman.

Eude KALTANI bokossa