Vol. 1, December 2023

Gender Equality: A Must for Sustainable Development in Africa

Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, Claudine Anita Hingston

Abstract

Gender equality is when both men and women have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities. It
is a human rights fundamental that is essential for economic prosperity and sustainable development.
Both individuals and societies benefit when there is gender equality. However, though a key human
rights factor, very few countries in the world can boast of having a gender equal society. This is
concerning, because no society can develop socially, economically or politically when half of its
population (predominantly women) is marginalised. In fact, this is emphasized in the United Nations
(UN) 17 sustainable development goals. Goal 5 of the UN 17 sustainable development goals
highlights gender equality as a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
The importance of gender equality for sustainable development is non-arguable. This paper presents a
cursory view of gender equality in Africa, where gender inequalities are rife and many of its countries
are described as least developed. Using specific examples from existing literatures, we argue that no
society can develop sustainably without supporting opportunities, resources, and choices for men and
women so that they have equal power to shape their own lives and contribute to their families,
communities, and countries. In essence, we try to show how
sustainable development in Africa and the efforts needed to promote it.

Keywords

Gender equality, Sustainable development, Africa

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