Equal opportunities for women

Abstract

<p>For women in Africa to be empowered and achieve equality, they need to be participants at the decision-making tables and conferences where important decisions are made. Equal opportunities for women translate into the improvement of the lives of families and communities. Research shows that in countries where women have equal opportunities, there is increased participation in education, better maternal and child health, and economic and social participation of women in business and politics. This article reports on a systematic review of articles related to equal opportunities for women through education, mentoring, skilling and innovation. Research published between 2010 and 2021 was reviewed. The outcomes show that a lot more needs to be done to support women in Africa achieve their goals in education, work and politics. Providing equal opportunities of women is the responsibility of all and needs commitment and a wholesome approach. The paper discusses the issues that need to be addressed to ensure equality for women and explains the implications for governments, Non-governmental organisations, universities and philanthropists. Some of the challenges to equal opportunities for women identified in the articles include women's lack of adequate finances to start and run businesses, cultural norms that hold women back, structural conditions that limit women's opportunities, lack of policies to increase female leaders in government and in higher education, lack of government action-Government mandates and regulation to support women. Recommendations include the use of quotas in government and in government-funded organisations, as well as providing financial and mentorship to women in the social, economic and political spheres of society. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the growing literature on empowerment of women pointing out the barriers that limit equal opportunities for women.</p>