CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
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Africa
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WOMEN
African governments have made many promises during international meetings, and have signed any number of declarations about improving the lives of women. But, the participation of African women in the decision-making process remains minimal, and at the same time governments and male-dominated political parties lack any interest in improving women’s lives
Culture has always contributed to women not taking up influential roles in society, whereas men are treated preferentially and accorded leadership positions. Many of Africa’s women (who form the majority of the population) are conscious that they lack a good education; many also have an inferiority complex which keeps them in subordinate positions.
In September 2001, the British Council conducted an in-depth research into the situation of women in particular regions of Africa. They submitted a questionnaire to 800 people across Central and Eastern Africa. The final report was entitled «Effective Leaders? Views from East and Central Africa».
Questions raised included the following: What do people think of their leaders (both men and women)? What is the quality of present-day leadership? How effective are women leaders compared to men? How committed are women to their governments and political parties? How many women leaders are there? What is the way forward to enhance women in high positions and political leadership?
It was generally felt that people pursued high positions in politics for their self-interest and not for the well-being of the nation. Members of Parliament (MP)s frequently don’t bother about their constituents, only visiting them during election campaigns. People preferred to elect their leaders rather than having them nominated.
Poor quality of leadership
On the other hand, the electorate expect too much from their MPs, bombarding them with requests for financial assistance beyond their means. The impression given is that the electorate don’t have much idea about what to realistically expect from their leaders. At the same time, there seems to be little available in the way of civic education for leaders, to enable them to get to grips with their job. Generally speaking, the report indicates that the people of Central and Eastern Africa, feel that the quality of leadership in their countries is poor — leaders don’t feel accountable to the electorate.
In all eight countries researched, women leaders are seen as less corrupt, compared to their male counterparts, and are more caring about the basic needs of their communities. They are concerned about development issues for the benefit of the people.
From the report, it emerges that NGOs and religious organisations do the most to improve the lives of women. Governments lack the political will to improve women’s lives and to enhance leadership possibilities for women. Some political structures obstruct women from getting into decision-making positions.
A major finding
A major finding of the survey was that people had reservations about the action taken by some countries to increase the number of women participating in politics. Just to increase numbers is counterproductive. Indeed, Helen Kennedy, the British Council’s chairperson, is enthusiastic over the fact that the research targeted ordinary people who spoke their minds. «It’s also important, because we are moving away from questions of simply how to increase the number of women in politics, to determining their capacity to change things for the good of ordinary women, once they attain power,» she said, adding that the whole point of getting more women into power was not just to increase numbers, but also to support creation of new agenda in politics and the media.
The most common view expressed by people in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the eight countries under study, is that leaders are not responsible enough, and do not fulfil the promises for development made during election campaigns. So why bother to vote?
«Elections mean nothing to me,» says Irene Bwire, an editor of a newspaper in Tanzania. «Who is there to choose from? In voting them into Office, all you do is to guarantee them a good salary and a car. They soon loose direction, that’s why I don’t bother with them.»
Catherine Munthali, executive director for Society for the Advancement of Women in Malawi, is especially uncomfortable with the restrictions of culture which tramples women’s progress. «Culture and tradition prescribe that women be quiet, obedient and confined to home. There is great resistance to introducing and implementing programmes from women. Over 50 percent of Malawi’s population of about 12 million, are women, but despite this, there are not many priority programmes for them».
When the report was launched, Malawi’s First Lady, Patricia Shannil Muluzi, chided women for being oppressive against fellow women and said they were their own worst enemies because they engage in petty jealousy. At the same time, those who have attained leadership positions, lack interest in their sisters.
What can be done to help women? The report recommends civic education, awareness raising about human rights, amending laws and policies to address gender imbalances in all sectors, providing adequate financial support for women, training women for leadership skills.
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