The Dynamics of Women Participation in Democratic Politics and Sustainable Development in Africa

In spite of the critical role that women play in sustaining the family, and the contributions they make to economic and other development of African societies, they have largely been excluded from participation in the decision-making processes and mainstream activities of most facets of life, including politics. This paper examines the factors that hinder women’s participation in democratic politics and traces them mainly to the existing institutionalized structures, beliefs, and value systems. It argues that although there are liberal constitutional provisions and public policies which espouse and advertise the full guarantee of women’s rights in a number of African countries, reality on-the-ground shows that deep traditional and cultural barriers which constrain women continue to exist. The paper suggests strategies for facilitating women’s participation to principally consist of a conscious inculcation of deep cooperative attitude and solidarity among women themselves. It recommends legislation of meaningful laws and policies that will facilitate the inclusion of the female population in the political processes; the establishment of ‘Women’s Bank’ dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs and business persons; and, massive promotion of the education of women/girl-child.