Cultural Barriers to Gender Parity Politics and Socio-Economic Development in Africa: Need for a Pragmatic Approach

Abstract

The need to promote gender parity has become a universally acknowledged concept. This is because, gender equality is critical to overall development; hence, the dynamic contribution of women, on the same level as men, in all facets of decision-making is vital to the realization of equality and sustainable development. However, present-day women are confronted with difficulties in their political participation across the globe, especially in Africa. Women across Africa, at every socio-political level, find themselves under-represented in leadership positions because of cultural barriers. Irrespective of different approaches employed to boost women’s participation in politics, and advanced through conventions, protocols, and international agreements for gender mainstreaming, the number of women, particularly at the highest echelon of governance, is yet to improve. Given this situation, this paper argued that, at the heart of the problem of gender disparity in Africa, is the fact that, traditional beliefs, and cultural attitudes - especially as it concerns women's roles and status in society remain strong. Moreover, with the constant stereotyping of women as inferior beings, it becomes hard for them to pursue their political rights as active participants. This is desk research and qualitative. Data are obtained from secondary sources and analysed through content analysis. The paper concluded that the cultural trend that favours gender disparities in Africa has resulted in resistance to the role of gender equality in birthing development; hence, there is a need for a re-orientation of all and sundry, gender equality issues, in other to achieve the goals of socio economic development. This should translate into attitudinal change, which is germane to the efficacy of gender parity in Africa.