New study uncovers gender inequalities, decline in respect for African women
A new report from Gallup and philanthropic organisation Porticus delved into the gender power imbalances that shape women's lives in five African countries, posing significant barriers to broader social and economic development.
The report analysis focuses on Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, using both quantitative data from the Gallup World Poll and international agencies such as the United Nations and World Bank, as well as qualitative in-depth interviews with residents in each country.
The report highlights a concerning trend: perceptions of respect and dignity for women have significantly declined in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In 2021, only about a quarter of men and women in South Africa believed women were treated with respect and dignity. In Kenya, 50% of women felt respected, while in Uganda, the figure was 52%. In Zimbabwe, only 60% of women felt they were treated with respect, a drop from 71% in 2013.
As regards the issue of safety, in South Africa, just 27% of women felt safe walking alone at night in their local areas. In Zimbabwe, only 35% of women reported feeling safe, followed by 40% in Kenya and 45% in Uganda. Tanzania was the exception, with 61% of women feeling safe at night, nearing the global average of 64%.
The report reveals a sharp decline in the perception that women are treated with respect and dignity across the continent over the last decade. While Tanzania showed an increase in respect for women from 54% in 2013 to 70% in 2021, this trend was not observed in other countries.
The steepest decline was noted in South Africa, a country grappling with a high rate of femicide.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described gender-based violence as a "second pandemic" in 2020 and recently signed a bill to establish a council dedicated to combating the issue.
