Impact of the Pan African Parliament in Promoting Gender Balance

Abstract

This article is about the impact of the Pan African Parliament in promoting gender balance. It is obvious that the Pan-African parliament has had significant results in promoting gender balance and women representation across the African continent. Since its inauguration in 2004, the parliament has continuously instilled measures that ensure women are encouraged to participate in leadership roles, and their rights are respected. Although many nations in Africa are male-dominated when it comes to leadership, tides are changing to a gender-balanced society where both males and females are seen as equal. Through the efforts of the Pan African Parliament, more women in Africa are participating in both political and economic leadership including running international and regional institutions for the development of the African continent. The inclusion of women in political activities is a fundamental right. It fosters gender equity as well as a democracy. Engaging women in leadership goes against previous practice of dominant male society thus promotes gender balance. Further, the inclusion of women in political matters is seen to give rise to a series of benefits, both economically and politically. In terms of politics, the addition of women is seen to promote the inclusion of minority groups in public offices, widen the number of women in parliament, reduce and fight corruption in governments and enhance policy results. Hence, the Pan African Parliament should consistently push for gender balance until a time when both genders shall establish equity, which will help grow Africa as a whole.