Gender

Commendable efforts have been made on the African continent to address gender inequality and women’s empowerment. This is due to the political commitment that a large number of member States have made and progressive legal and policy measures they have adopted. However, these gains have not been sufficient to bridge the gender gap and inequalities, more specifically as they relate to women. Women’s economic and social advancement is a crucial precondition for Africa’s development. This calls for strengthening of policies, programmes and targeted financing to better address women’s empowerment. This also entails the adoption and implementation of regional and international commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Our focus

The African Centre for Gender (ACG) provides technical support to member States to address gender inequality and women’s empowerment through developing tools and providing evidence for policy formulation and effective implementation. It also facilitates the tracking and monitoring of the implementation of the agreed commitments and declarations.

 The Centre’s strategy includes undertaking analytical work and identifying  good practices for member States to adapt in order to sharpen their approaches in addressing gender inequality – for instance through the  African Women’s Report.  It has also developed a unique tool, the Gender and Development Index, to measure progress in the achievement of gender equality in Africa. The work of the Centre includes initiatives such as time-use studies, gender and macro-economic modeling, and gender statistics. (link to report)

Additionally, it has galvanized an active network through online knowledge platforms to engage national gender machineries and civil society. These platforms include the African Women’s Rights Observatory and the E-network of National Gender Machineries.  The Centre is also responsible for ensuring that the gender dimension is integrated into all the work of the ECA. 

Statutory Meeting

Committee on Women and Development

Related Links and Resources

International Conference on Population and Development

African Women's Rights Observatory

E-network of National Gender Machineries & Mechanisms in Africa