As per the most recent results of the Women in Political Participation Barometer (WPP), the percentage of women represented in the African Parliament rose from 24 percent in 2021 to 25 percent in 2024.
Aside from the one percent increase, it said women’s representation “in top executive positions in government” increased during the same period, however, “their presence in local government across Africa has declined”.
Based on the findings, the report acknowledged that “meaningful political participation for women in Africa is still slow.”
The WPP Barometer is a resource tool that demonstrates the status of women’s political participation in Africa. It aims to “provide evidence, particularly to legislators and policymakers, to advocate for and strengthen women’s political participation and leadership.”
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Women in Political Participation Project of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and Gender Links, a related consortium, jointly issued the report’s second edition.
2019 saw the establishment of the Women in Political Participation Consortium with assistance from the Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The consortium is promoting the “Enhancing the Participation of Women in Political Participation in Africa” project through the initiative. The project’s goal is to “amplify the voices of women in political spheres,” among other things.